Dielectric Electrode Layers for High-Purity Analyte Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for isolating analytes from complex samples, such as biomolecules, have not kept pace with advanced analytical techniques, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in sample preparation for next-generation sequencing and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
The use of dielectric materials in electrode structures, combined with electrokinetic fields, to capture and isolate analytes like cell-free nucleic acids and viruses from fluids, enabling high-purity isolation with reduced material requirements and increased capture efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional isolation methods are used for analytes from complex samples, then the isolation process can be performed with standard techniques, but the isolation efficiency and purity are insufficient for next-generation sequencing and diagnostic applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing specific electrokinetic field parameters (AC frequency, field strength, waveform) to optimize analyte capture efficiency. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the system achieves both high productivity in isolating analytes from complex samples and high purity suitable for next-generation sequencing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical isolation methods with an electrokinetic-based system. Instead of using physical filtration, centrifugation, or chromatography, the invention uses electric fields to capture and concentrate analytes, thereby achieving both high isolation efficiency and high purity simultaneously.
2Productivity
If a dielectric material layer is added to the electrode to reduce conductivity and improve analyte capture, then capture efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin dielectric material layer (thin film) deposited on the electrode surface. This thin film approach increases capture efficiency by reducing electrode conductivity and enhancing electrokinetic effects, while maintaining relatively simple device structure by using only a thin coating rather than complex multi-component structures.
3Productivity
If the dielectric layer thickness is reduced to less than 100 angstroms to optimize electrokinetic field generation, then analyte isolation efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the dielectric layer thickness parameter to be less than 100 angstroms (specifically 5-25 angstroms in some embodiments). This precise parameter control maximizes electrokinetic field generation and analyte capture efficiency while managing the manufacturing precision requirements through careful deposition process selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs atomic layer deposition (ALD), a vapor-phase deposition technique, to precisely control the dielectric layer thickness at the molecular level. This deposition method enables accurate thickness control in the sub-100 angstrom range, achieving both high isolation efficiency and manageable manufacturing precision requirements.
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
The dielectric materials enhance analyte capture by up to 500-fold, allowing for efficient isolation and purification of biomolecules from complex samples with minimal sample input, suitable for high-throughput operations.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode configured to generate an electrokinetic field region
Implementation Method 2
a layer in contact with at least a portion of the electrode, wherein the layer comprises a dielectric material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods, devices and systems comprising materials comprising dielectrics. In various aspects, electrodes layered or imbedded with these dielectrics provide enhanced properties for a wide range of applications, such as the enhanced separation of analytes, such as biological molecules or particles (nucleic acids, viruses) with an electrokinetic field.