DEP Microelectrode Chip for Rapid Bacteria Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dielectrophoresis (DEP) technologies lack quantitative integration of dielectric actuators and impedance sensors, hindering rapid and selective detection of highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A dielectrophoresis detection device integrating a jig with a top and base chip layer, semiconducting microelectrode chip, and gasket layer, featuring dielectrophoretic and impedance sensor microelectrodes, and pressure and extraction pumps for detecting and quantifying bacteria through continuous flow microfluidics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional DEP technology is used for bacterial detection, then the detection mechanism is established, but quantitative integration with impedance sensors is lacking, limiting rapid and selective detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines dielectrophoresis actuators and impedance sensors into a single integrated microelectrode chip structure. The microelectrode array serves dual functions: generating non-uniform electric fields for dielectrophoresis-based bacterial manipulation and serving as electrodes for impedance-based detection. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor systems while enabling quantitative bacterial pathogen detection through impedance changes caused by dielectrophoresis-induced bacterial accumulation or separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The microelectrode array is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the non-uniform electric field required for dielectrophoresis, manipulates bacterial particles through electrophoretic forces, and serves as the sensing element for impedance-based quantification. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to drive the separation process and measure the outcome, simplifying the overall device architecture while enhancing detection capabilities.
2Productivity
If complex detection systems are used to achieve rapid and selective detection of bacterial pathogens, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation and sensing functions into a single microelectrode chip, eliminating the need for complex external manipulation devices. The same microelectrode array that generates electric fields for bacterial separation also measures impedance changes for quantification, reducing equipment requirements while maintaining rapid detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the bacterial pathogens themselves as the measurement indicator. As bacteria are manipulated by dielectrophoresis forces within the electric field, their movement and accumulation directly alter the impedance measured by the microelectrode array. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate detection reagents or complex imaging systems, achieving rapid and selective detection with minimal equipment.
3Device complexity
If integrated microelectrode chip design is implemented, then device integration is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microelectrode array is designed as a universal component that performs both actuation and sensing functions. By using the same fabricated electrodes for both generating electric fields and measuring impedance, the patent reduces the number of separate components that would need to be precisely aligned and integrated, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements despite the sophisticated dual-functionality.
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 rapid, in-situ, and sensitive detection and quantification of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens, allowing for efficient bacteriological water analysis with minimal equipment and low cost, applicable to communities, food manufacturers, and wastewater treatment enterprises.
Implementation Method 1
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a phenomenon in which a force is exerted on dielectric particles under the action of a non-uniform electric field. This force does not require particle charging. In the presence of an electric field, all particles exhibit dielectrophoretic activity.
Implementation Method 2
A cellular impedance is calculated based on a difference between a baseline voltage and a voltage measured after a battery is connected to an electrode, which eliminates a contribution of an electrode-electrolyte combination and parasitic elements. An impedance mechanism can be used to calculate a concentration of particles in a culture medium or sample.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a dielectrophoresis detection device for detection and quantification of bacteria in water. The device includes a jig, the jig includes a top chip layer, a base chip layer arranged opposite to the top chip layer, an accommodating part is arranged between the top chip layer and the base chip layer, a semiconducting microelectrode chip is arranged in the accommodating part, a gasket layer that fits the semiconducting microelectrode chip is further arranged in the accommodating part, and the semiconducting microelectrode chip is provided with a dielectrophoretic actuator microelectrode part and an impedance sensor microelectrode part arranged next to the dielectrophoretic actuator microelectrode part. The present disclosure, through quantitative integration of dielectricity and impedance, is capable of detecting highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.