Conductive DLD Pillar Array for Charge-Based Particle Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing periodic fluidic ratchet devices face limitations in size scaling due to increased fluidic resistance and practical fabrication issues, and they provide only single-dimensional size selectivity for particle separation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrically conductive deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) array device with a fluidic channel containing electrically conductive pillar components that generate an electrical field, enabling scalable fabrication using silicon lithography and providing a second separation dimension for particles based on electrical charges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pitch between pillar features is reduced to achieve smaller particle size selectivity, then the gap size decreases enabling separation of smaller particles, but fluidic resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical size-based separation system with an electrophoretic system that uses electric fields to separate particles. The conductive pillars generate electric fields that exert forces on charged particles, enabling separation based on charge-to-size ratio rather than just size, thus reducing fluidic resistance while maintaining separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from mechanical size-based filtering to electrophoretic charge-based separation. By applying voltage to the conductive pillars, the system creates electric fields that enable particle separation through electrophoresis, fundamentally changing the separation parameter from purely dimensional to electrokinetic
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional non-conductive pillar arrays are used, then fabrication is simpler, but only single-dimensional size selectivity is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pillar array multi-functional by rendering the pillars electrically conductive, enabling them to serve both as structural elements for size-based deterministic lateral displacement and as electrodes for generating electric fields. This allows the same structure to provide both size selectivity and charge-based electrophoretic separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural function of pillars with the electrical function of electrodes into a single integrated component. The conductive pillars simultaneously provide mechanical support for size-based separation and generate electric fields for charge-based separation, combining multiple functions into one element
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 solution allows for the separation of particles with diameters as small as 20 nm and enhances resolution capacity by enabling separation based on both size and electrical charge, overcoming the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
electrically conductive pillar components that can generate an electrical field to deflect particles of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
enabling control sensing and separation of particles based on charge
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods that can facilitate electrically conductive deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) pillar array components are provided. According to an embodiment, a device can comprise a substrate that can have a channel that can comprise electrically conductive pillar components that can be coupled to one or more electrodes. The device can further comprise a seal layer that can be coupled to the substrate that seals the one or more electrodes.