Capacitive Pulse Coupling for Contamination-Free Biological Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric pulse generation systems for biomedical applications often require direct coupling to the sample, which can be expensive and unsuitable for biological specimens, and may lead to contamination and electrical breakdown issues.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive coupling system that uses a capacitive element between the pulse generating circuitry and the sample, allowing for the generation of electric pulses without direct current flow through the sample, using non-conductive materials for the sample holder and cuvette, and enabling both capacitive and direct coupling modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct coupling is used to generate electric pulses, then pulse generation is simple and effective, but contamination risks increase and electrical breakdown issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
A capacitive element is introduced as an intermediary between the pulse generating circuitry and the sample. This capacitor couples the pulse generator to the sample holder, allowing electric pulses to be delivered to the sample without direct conductive contact. The capacitive coupling transfers electrical energy while isolating the sample from direct current flow, thereby preventing contamination and electrical breakdown while maintaining reliable pulse generation.
2Reliability
If conductive material containers are used for direct coupling, then pulse delivery is effective, but cost increases and suitability for biological specimens decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive element serves as a mediator that enables effective pulse delivery without requiring the sample holder to be made of expensive conductive materials. The capacitor provides the necessary electrical coupling, allowing the sample holder to be constructed from inexpensive, biologically suitable materials such as plastic or glass, thereby reducing cost while maintaining pulse delivery effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the need for conductive material containers (mechanical/electrical solution) with a capacitive coupling system. Instead of relying on the electrical properties of the container material to deliver pulses, the invention uses a separate capacitive element to provide the electrical coupling, allowing the container to be made from non-conductive, biologically compatible materials.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If capacitive coupling is used, then contamination risks are reduced and material choices expand, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the capacitive element does add a component to the system, it serves as a simple intermediary that provides both electrical coupling and physical isolation. The capacitor is a standard electronic component with well-understood behavior, making the added complexity manageable. The benefit of reduced contamination and expanded material choices outweighs the moderate increase in system complexity.
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
This approach reduces contamination risks, allows the use of less expensive and more suitable materials for sample holders, and effectively stimulates biological samples to enhance growth factor release in platelet activation, while maintaining control over pulse parameters and coupling methods.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive element disposed between the pulse generating circuitry and the second electrode. The pulse generating circuitry is capacitively coupled to the container
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present disclosure, exposure of a sample to one or more electric pulses via capacitive coupling is described. In certain embodiments, the sample may be a biological sample to be treated or modified using the pulsed electric fields. In certain embodiments, the electric pulses may be delivered to a load using capacitive coupling. In other embodiments, the electric pulses may be bipolar pulses.