Biological Chip With Electric-Field Surface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SNP chip technologies face challenges in controlling the distribution position of microsphere structures, leading to random gene fragment distribution, increased labor and time costs for detection, and high production costs due to silicon-based materials and microsphere grafting methods.
Innovation Solution
A biological chip with electric-field-controllable surface modification layers on metal electrodes, allowing for controlled positioning of gene fragments through electro-wetting methods, reducing fluorescence crosstalk, and compatible with semiconductor processes to lower production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If microsphere structures are used for gene fragment attachment, then gene detection can be performed, but the distribution position of gene fragments becomes random and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical microsphere grafting system with an electro-wetting-based system. By applying electric fields to control the wetting properties of surface modification layers on planar electrodes, gene fragments can be precisely positioned and manipulated without relying on microsphere structures. This substitution of mechanical manipulation with electrical field control resolves the positioning precision issue while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes electric field parameters (voltage, polarity, duration) to dynamically control the surface properties of modification layers. By changing the electrical parameters, the wetting state of the surface can be switched between hydrophilic and hydrophobic, enabling precise control over gene fragment distribution and positioning on the chip surface.
2Reliability
If silicon-based materials and microsphere grafting methods are used, then gene detection is enabled, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs planar electrodes with surface modification layers that can be manufactured using low-cost materials and processes compatible with semiconductor manufacturing. This replaces expensive silicon-based microsphere structures with more economical alternatives that achieve the same detection functionality at lower production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-wetting platform provides multi-functionality by enabling not only gene fragment positioning but also fluid control, droplet manipulation, and various detection modes within a single system architecture. This universal approach eliminates the need for specialized expensive components for each function, reducing overall production costs.
3Productivity
If high-density gene fragments are attached to solid surface, then gene chip technology enables research on gene expression, but fluorescence crosstalk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions on the chip surface through electric field control. Gene fragments are positioned in specific localized areas defined by these wetting patterns, ensuring sufficient spatial separation between adjacent probes. This local differentiation of surface properties prevents fluorescence crosstalk while maintaining high-density arrangement for high-throughput detection.
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 biological chip achieves precise control over gene fragment positioning, reduces fluorescence crosstalk, and lowers production costs by using a semiconductor-compatible manufacturing process, enhancing detection accuracy and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for controlled positioning of gene fragments through electro-wetting methods
Data Source
AI summary
A biological chip, a manufacturing method thereof, an operation method thereof, and a biological detection system are provided. The biological chip includes a base substrate and a plurality of working units. The plurality of the working units are arranged on the base substrate; each of the working units includes a working element configured to be in contact with a target substance; and the working element includes a metal electrode and an electric-field-controllable surface modification layer on a surface of the metal electrode.