Dielectrophoresis Object Trapping Device for Specific Combinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for trapping specific combinations of cells and microbeads in microwells are inefficient, leading to wasted samples and difficulty in sealing sites, which limits the ability to conduct individual reactions and evaluate interactions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An object trapping device with a well and an electrode pair group that applies individual AC voltages to trap objects using dielectrophoresis, allowing for the efficient trapping of multiple objects in specific combinations and enabling the creation of different object combinations by controlling multiple electrode pairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If droplet-based methods are used to trap objects, then objects can be trapped in combinations, but the number of trapped objects is limited to several thousands while millions of droplets are generated, leading to sample waste and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical droplet generation and trapping system with an electrode-based dielectrophoresis system. Instead of relying on probabilistic droplet formation, the invention uses electric fields generated by electrode pairs to deterministically trap and manipulate objects, achieving high-throughput trapping without sample waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the trapping mechanism by applying AC voltages at specific frequencies to electrode pairs. By controlling voltage amplitude and frequency, the system can selectively trap different objects based on their dielectric properties, enabling efficient and selective object trapping.
2Reliability
If fluidic devices with trap grooves are used, then cells can be trapped in cavities, but it is difficult to seal the sites and prevent cross-contamination between sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sealing structures with an electric field-based isolation system. By applying voltages to individual electrode pairs, the system creates independent trapping zones that are naturally isolated by the electric field boundaries, eliminating the need for physical seals while preventing cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electric fields as an intermediary between the trapping sites. The electric fields act as virtual barriers that prevent object movement between sites without requiring physical seals, thereby maintaining site isolation while simplifying the device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If H-shaped trap grooves are used with fixed cavity sizes, then one cell type can be trapped per cavity, but it is difficult to change combinations of cells and create three or more cell combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control through independently addressable electrode pairs that can be activated in different combinations. Instead of fixed trap grooves, the system uses dynamically controllable electric fields to create, modify, and reconfigure trapping sites, enabling flexible creation of various object combinations including three or more objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal trapping platform where the same electrode array can trap different numbers and types of objects by simply changing the voltage configuration. The electrode pairs can function individually or in combination, providing multi-functionality without requiring different device configurations for different trapping needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An object trapping device enables efficiently trapping a plurality of objects in a specific combination. Each of a first electrode pair (13), a second electrode pair (14), and a third electrode pair (15) in an electrode pair group (3) is applied with an individual AC voltage and traps an object by dielectrophoresis generated in accordance with the AC voltage that is applied.