Continuous Flow Particle Concentrator Using Traveling Wave Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for concentrating bio-agents in electrophoresis are inefficient, requiring high voltages, frequencies, and finer electrode pitches, and often involve laborious sequential filtration steps, which are not compatible with conventional laboratory equipment and do not achieve sufficient concentration for detection.
Innovation Solution
A continuous flow particle concentrator using traveling wave grids with closely spaced parallel electrodes and a voltage controller to generate multiphase electrical signals, concentrating bio-agents from a three-dimensional fluid medium into a two-dimensional transport layer and then to an extraction port, allowing for further focusing and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional dielectrophoresis methods are used to concentrate particles, then particle manipulation is achieved, but high voltages (∼100 V), high frequencies (∼10 MHz), and fine electrode pitches are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the continuous fluid stream into discrete regions by confining particles to a two-dimensional transport layer, then uses multiple traveling wave grids to sequentially concentrate particles in stages, achieving high concentration without requiring extreme voltages or frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from three-dimensional particle distribution in the fluid stream to two-dimensional confinement in a transport layer adjacent to the electrode array, enabling more efficient particle manipulation and concentration with reduced electrical parameters
2Measurement precision
If sequential filtration steps are used to concentrate bio-agents, then concentration is achieved, but the process is laborious and not compatible with conventional laboratory equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical filtration systems with an electrical field-based traveling wave grid system that manipulates and concentrates particles through dielectrophoresis and electrophoresis, eliminating the need for multiple filtration steps and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The traveling wave grid system serves multiple functions including particle concentration, focusing, and transport within a single integrated device, making it compatible with conventional laboratory equipment while achieving the concentration effects previously requiring complex sequential filtration
3Measurement precision
If traditional electrophoresis methods are used, then separation is achieved, but sufficient concentration for detection is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary concentration of particles into a two-dimensional transport layer before detection, pre-concentrating the sample to levels sufficient for detection while maintaining the separation capabilities of electrophoresis
Solution Approach 2:
The traveling wave grids continuously concentrate and transport particles along the electrode array, maintaining a steady flow of concentrated particles to the detection region, ensuring sufficient concentration for detection without interrupting the separation process
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 method effectively concentrates bio-agents by several orders of magnitude within a small volume, enhancing detection sensitivity and compatibility with conventional laboratory equipment, while reducing the need for multiple filtration steps.
Implementation Method 1
Particles can be manipulated by subjecting them to traveling electric fields. Such traveling fields are produced by applying appropriate voltages to microelectrode arrays of suitable design. Traveling electric fields are generated by applying voltages of suitable frequency and phases to the electrodes.
Implementation Method 2
A powerful extension of dielectrophoresis separation is traveling wave dielectrophoresis (TWD) in which variable electric fields are generated in a system of electrodes by applying time varying electric potential to consecutive electrodes.
Implementation Method 3
Dielectrophoresis is defined as the movement of a polarizable particle in a non-uniform electric field. Essentially, the force arises from the interaction of the field non-uniformity with a field induced charge redistribution in the separated particle.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for extracting and concentrating bioagents within a continuously flowing fluid medium includes a flow channel fluid inlet, in which bioagents are concentrated from three dimensions to a two-dimensional transport layer in a preconcentration area. Traveling wave grids cause the preconcentrated bioagents to migrate to one side of the flow channel and then to an extraction port. Each of the traveling wave grids includes a substrate, a collection of closely spaced and parallel electrically conductive electrodes extending across said substrate, and a collection of buses providing electrical communication with the collection of conductive electrodes. A voltage controller provides a multiphase electrical signal to the collection of buses and electrodes of the traveling wave grids. Fluid exits through an outlet port.