Bioparticle Droplet Handling Using DEP for Pressure-Free Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bioparticle processing systems face challenges in holding bioparticles at a fixed position and protecting them from liquid flow and pressure, which affects their integrity and suitability for culturing or detection processes.

Innovation Solution

A bioparticle processing apparatus with a droplet generation device and a light driven device, the apparatus includes a droplet generation chamber, a working chamber, and a selection chamber, utilizing dielectrophoresis (DEP) patterns to move bioparticle droplets between these chambers, allowing for culture or detection processes without physical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bioparticles are held at a fixed position by conventional bioparticle processing systems, then the related process can be implemented on bioparticles, but bioparticles are easily affected or damaged by liquid pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebioparticle integrityVSAvoidliquid pressure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an immiscible liquid as an intermediary medium between the bioparticles and the processing liquid. The bioparticles are encapsulated in droplets of the immiscible liquid, which forms a protective barrier that isolates them from direct contact with the processing liquid, thereby eliminating liquid pressure damage while allowing the processing to proceed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical holding methods with dielectrophoresis (DEP) technology. By applying non-uniform electric fields, the bioparticle droplets are manipulated and held in position without physical contact or mechanical pressure, thus maintaining bioparticle integrity while enabling process implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If bioparticles move with liquid flow in conventional systems, then liquid pressure damage is reduced, but bioparticles cannot be held at fixed position for processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid pressure damageVSAvoidbioparticle processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical flow-based transport with dielectrophoresis (DEP) for positioning bioparticle droplets. The non-uniform electric fields enable precise control and holding of droplets at fixed positions throughout the processing workflow, ensuring processing capability while maintaining bioparticle integrity through continuous movement in the immiscible liquid medium

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional bioparticle processing systems use physical contact methods, then processing can be performed, but bioparticles are damaged by pressure and contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidbioparticle integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The immiscible liquid serves as a contactless intermediary medium that enables all processing operations. Bioparticles remain encapsulated throughout the entire processing workflow, eliminating direct physical contact and pressure damage while maintaining processing efficiency through DEP-controlled manipulation of the encapsulated droplets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces all mechanical contact-based processing methods with dielectrophoresis (DEP) technology. Non-uniform electric fields are used for droplet generation, manipulation, positioning, and merging operations, enabling contactless processing that maintains bioparticle integrity while achieving high processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 apparatus enables the formation of bioparticle droplets suspended in a second liquid, protecting bioparticles during movement and allowing for efficient culture or detection processes without damage, and facilitates the release of bioparticles post-process.

Implementation Method 1

The light driving device is configured to drive the bioparticle processing device to form a dielectrophoresis (DEP) pattern for moving the bioparticle droplet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrophoresis: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20260001068A1Contactless bioparticle processing apparatus and bioparticle processing device

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 CYTOAURORA BIOTECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A bioparticle processing device includes a droplet generation chamber, a working chamber in spatial communication with the droplet generation chamber, and a selection chamber that is in spatial communication with the working chamber. The droplet generation chamber is configured to receive a first liquid, a bioparticle in the first liquid, and a second liquid that is immiscible with the first liquid. The droplet generation chamber is configured to enable the second liquid to be interflowed with the first liquid, such that a part of the first liquid and the bioparticle located therein jointly form a bioparticle droplet by passing through the second liquid. The bioparticle droplet flows toward the working chamber and is configured to culture or detect the bioparticle through the part of the first liquid thereof.