Dielectrophoretic Channel Chip Voltage Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dielectrophoresis separation devices suffer from reduced separation and collection performance due to parasitic components such as resistance and capacitance within the separation unit, which attenuate the applied AC voltage.

Innovation Solution

A channel chip with a substrate, liquid receiver, and pairs of first and second electrodes, where the control voltage applied between the first electrodes is corrected based on impedance measurements between the second electrodes using a reference liquid, thereby minimizing the impact of parasitic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AC voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes to generate dielectrophoretic force for separating cancer cells, then separation performance is improved, but parasitic components (resistance and capacitance) attenuate the applied voltage and reduce separation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidvoltage attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures the impedance of the electrode assembly before performing dielectrophoresis separation. By obtaining impedance data in advance, the system can calculate the appropriate correction coefficient to compensate for parasitic effects, ensuring accurate voltage application during the actual separation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses measured impedance values to calculate a correction coefficient that compensates for parasitic resistance and capacitance. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to adjust the applied voltage to achieve the desired effective voltage across the specimen, counteracting the voltage attenuation caused by parasitic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If impedance measurement is performed through the sample liquid containing dielectric particles, then the measurement is relevant to the actual separation condition, but the presence of particles affects measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance measurement accuracyVSAvoidparticle interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs impedance measurement using a reference liquid without particles before introducing the specimen. This preliminary measurement establishes the baseline impedance of the electrode assembly and medium, allowing subsequent correction of particle-related effects during actual separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference liquid as an intermediary medium to perform impedance measurement. This reference liquid without particles serves as a mediator to characterize the electrode assembly's parasitic properties, which are then used to correct measurements and control voltage application during actual particle separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 proposed solution effectively reduces the influence of parasitic components on the separation and collection performance of dielectric particles, ensuring more efficient dielectrophoretic separation and collection.

Implementation Method 1

The pair of first electrodes are disposed between the principal surface of the substrate and the liquid receiver and can cause a dielectrophoretic force to act on dielectric particles contained in the sample liquid injected into the liquid receiver when a control voltage is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectrophoresis:

Data Source

PatentEP4563229A1Channel chip, dielectrophoretic device, and control voltage correction method
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD
  • EP4563229A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4563229A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4563229A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A channel chip (11) includes a substrate (21), a liquid receiver (FW), a pair of first electrodes (33a), (33b), and a pair of second electrodes (43a), (43b). A sample liquid or a reference liquid can be injected into the liquid receiver (FW). When a control voltage is applied, the pair of first electrodes (33a), (33b) can cause a dielectrophoretic force to act on dielectric particles (P1) contained in the sample liquid injected into the liquid receiver (FW). The pair of second electrodes (43a), (43b) are disposed at positions different from positions of the pair of first electrodes (33a), (33b). The control voltage applied between the pair of first electrodes (33a), (33b) are corrected based on the impedance between the pair of second electrodes (43a), (43b) measured through the reference liquid injected into the liquid receiver (FW).