Biochip Electrode Arrays for Biomolecule Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biochip technologies face limitations in efficiently manipulating biomolecules due to the limitations of electrokinetics, particularly under DC electric fields for charged entities and AC electric fields for neutral particles, and electrode degradation issues, which affect the accuracy and efficiency of biochemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
A biochip design featuring a base member with a dielectric layer and electrodes under recesses, creating a contoured operation surface that utilizes electric field gradients to draw biomolecules towards specific areas, enhancing biochemical reaction efficiency through electrokinetic manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DC electric field is used for electrophoresis to manipulate charged biomolecules, then manipulation capability is improved, but electrode degradation occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric layer is introduced as an intermediary between the electrode and the sample solution. This dielectric layer allows the electric field to be applied to manipulate charged biomolecules through electrophoresis while preventing direct contact between the electrode and the corrosive solution, thereby eliminating electrode degradation and improving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If AC electric field is used for dielectrophoresis to manipulate neutral particles, then manipulation versatility is improved, but effective range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into multiple discrete electrodes arranged in arrays rather than a single continuous electrode. This segmentation creates localized electric field gradients between adjacent electrodes, enabling dielectrophoresis to manipulate both charged and neutral particles effectively across a larger area of the chip surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar electrode arrangements to three-dimensional electrode structures with varying heights and positions. This dimensional change creates more complex and extended electric field distributions, expanding the effective manipulation range while maintaining the versatility to handle different particle types.
3Productivity
If biomolecules are left to passive diffusion for biochemical reactions, then device simplicity is maintained, but reaction efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive diffusion (a random thermal process) with electrokinetic manipulation using electric fields. By applying controlled electric fields through the electrode arrays, biomolecules are actively transported and concentrated at reaction sites, dramatically improving reaction efficiency and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electric field parameters (frequency, amplitude, waveform) to control and optimize the electrokinetic manipulation of biomolecules. By adjusting these parameters, the system can efficiently transport different types of molecules to appropriate reaction zones, enhancing overall reaction efficiency without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The biochip achieves improved biochemical reaction efficiency by effectively concentrating biomolecules using electrokinetic forces, enhancing the opportunity for target molecules to interact with probe molecules, surpassing the limitations of passive diffusion.
Implementation Method 1
when an electric field is applied through the electrodes, a field gradient is created to draw biomolecules towards a preferred part of the operation surface
Implementation Method 2
Electrokinetics (EK) technologies have been developed and widely used as a mechanical-part-free, flexible and highly programmable tool for fluid and microparticle manipulation
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric layer being deposited on the base member and having at least two rows of discrete recesses being formed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for fabricating a biochip for detecting or sequencing biomolecules are shown. Such a biochip may for instance include: a base member; a dielectric layer deposited on the base member and having at least two rows of discrete recesses formed thereon; and two or more electrodes sandwiched between the base member and the dielectric layer and running under respective row of discrete recesses, the two or more electrodes separated from each other along lengths thereof by a portion of the dielectric layer; wherein the dielectric layer defines a continuous operation surface above the electrodes and on which the discrete recesses are deposited for detecting or sequencing of biomolecules, when an electric field is applied through the electrodes, a field gradient is created to draw a biomolecule towards a preferred part of the operation surface.