Biopolymer Analysis Device Using Electro-Wetting Droplet Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated solid-state nanopore systems face challenges in achieving collective injection and replacement of solutions into individual solution tanks while maintaining insulation between channels, particularly as the degree of integration increases and channel sizes become minute, leading to complex device configurations and difficulties with small sample volumes.
Innovation Solution
A biopolymer analysis device featuring an insulating thin film made of inorganic material, with a first liquid tank and a second liquid tank separated by the thin film, utilizing electro-wetting on dielectric (EWOD) to convey and insulate droplets with a water-repellent liquid, allowing for automatic collective injection and replacement of solutions while maintaining channel insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual independent channels are insulated from each other to prevent current leakage, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for complex insulation structures between channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water-repellent liquid as an intermediary substance between adjacent channels. This liquid forms a hydrophobic barrier that prevents current leakage between channels without requiring complex solid insulation structures. The water-repellent liquid naturally adheres to the channel walls and creates effective electrical isolation, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical insulation structures with a chemical/electrical solution using water-repellent liquid. Instead of building complex insulating walls between channels, the system uses the electrochemical properties of the water-repellent liquid to achieve insulation, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sample replacement is performed to measure different samples, then measurement versatility is improved, but measurement time increases due to the need to stop and replace samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple samples in advance, loading them into the system before measurement begins. The water-repellent liquid enables these pre-loaded samples to be held in place without mixing, allowing the system to switch between pre-prepared samples quickly without requiring complex replacement operations during measurement, thus reducing time loss while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement by allowing smooth transition between different samples loaded in the first liquid tank. The water-repellent liquid ensures that multiple samples can coexist in the same tank without cross-contamination, enabling the measurement process to continue without interruption or complex sample replacement operations, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining the ability to measure different samples.
3Quantity of substance
If a small solution volume is used to measure with small sample volumes, then sample efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to perform smooth sample supply and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water-repellent liquid to segment the continuous electrolyte solution into distinct regions around each channel. This segmentation allows multiple separate sample volumes to exist in the same tank without mixing, enabling the system to work with small sample volumes while maintaining the ability to supply and replace samples smoothly through the structured compartments created by the water-repellent liquid barriers.
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
Enables automatic and efficient collective injection and replacement of solutions into multiple channels, maintaining insulation and allowing for measurement with small sample volumes, thereby improving measurement throughput and device simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first electrodes arranged in the first liquid tank and a second electrode disposed in the second liquid tank, wherein the plurality of first electrodes is configured to be able to convey the plurality of droplets introduced into the first liquid tank by electro wetting on dielectric by applying a certain voltage
Implementation Method 2
A water-repellent liquid and a plurality of liquid droplets are introduced into the first liquid tank, the plurality of first electrodes is configured to be able to convey the plurality of droplets introduced into the first liquid tank by electro wetting on dielectric by applying a certain voltage, and the plurality of droplets is conveyed to portions coming into contact with the plurality of first electrodes, and is insulated from each other by the water-repellent liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A biopolymer analysis device includes an insulating thin film that is made of an inorganic material, a first liquid tank and a second liquid tank that are separated by the thin film, a plurality of first electrodes that is arranged in the first liquid tank, and a second electrode that is disposed in the second liquid tank. A water-repellent liquid and a plurality of liquid droplets are introduced into the first liquid tank, the plurality of first electrodes is configured to be able to convey the plurality of droplets introduced into the first liquid tank by electro wetting on dielectric by applying a certain voltage, and the plurality of droplets is conveyed to portions coming into contact with the plurality of first electrodes, and is insulated from each other by the water-repellent liquid.