Dielectrophoretic Pathogen Separation and Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pathogen detection methods are inadequate due to long incubation periods, high costs, and the need for highly trained personnel, and they struggle with efficiently separating pathogens from blood components, which obstruct detection.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system utilizing a plurality of dielectrophoretic modules with distinctive functionality and geometry, including microfluidic channels with electrodes that apply dielectrophoretic forces to separate pathogens from blood components, and a capture/release mechanism for solution exchange without cell loss, enabling efficient detection of low concentrations of pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bacterial culture growth methods are used for detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases to 24-48 hours and requires highly trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/cultural detection methods (bacterial culture growth requiring incubation) with an automated electronic detection system using microstructures and sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for long incubation periods and highly trained personnel while maintaining detection accuracy through automated sample preparation and electronic sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated sample preparation actions including automatic pipetting, mixing, and separation before detection. By pre-processing samples automatically with robotic systems and microfluidic devices, the system eliminates the need for manual preparation by trained personnel and reduces the overall detection time while preserving accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If red blood cells and white blood cells are present in the sample, then sample volume is sufficient, but pathogen detection is obstructed due to cell interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes interfering blood cells (red and white blood cells) from the sample using automated separation techniques such as density gradient centrifugation or magnetic bead separation. This extraction eliminates the obstruction caused by high concentrations of blood cells while preserving the pathogen-containing supernatant for detection, thereby maintaining both sufficient sample volume and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances such as magnetic beads or density gradient media that selectively bind to or separate blood cells from pathogens. These intermediaries facilitate the separation process by mediating between the blood cells and the detection system, allowing blood cells to be removed while preserving pathogen integrity for accurate detection.
3Productivity
If automated sample preparation using microstructures is implemented, then detection speed is improved, but efficient separation of analyte from blood components becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested microstructures where micro-channels, micro-compartments, and micro-separation elements are integrated within each other. This nesting allows multiple separation and processing functions to occur simultaneously within a compact automated device, improving detection speed while managing the complexity of separating analytes from blood components through hierarchical micro-architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes such as varying flow rates, pressure gradients, or magnetic field strengths within the automated microstructure system to optimize separation efficiency at different stages. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves efficient separation of analytes from blood components while maintaining high detection speed and managing device complexity through controlled parameter variation.
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 system achieves fast and reliable separation and detection of pathogens, improving detection efficiency and reducing false positives and negatives, capable of processing both high and low volumes, and is suitable for point-of-care diagnostics and food safety applications.
Implementation Method 1
The use of DEP to manipulate particles and cells has been previously described... A high-frequency non-uniform electric field gives rise to a dielectrophoretic force (DEP) FDEP which acts on the object.
Implementation Method 2
High-frequency electric fields when applied to an electrically neutral object cause polarization. A high-frequency non-uniform electric field gives rise to a dielectrophoretic force (DEP) FDEP which acts on the object.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for separating an analyte from a test sample, such as bacteria from blood components, based on their dielectric properties, localizing or condensing the analyte, flushing substantially all remaining waste products from the test sample, and detecting low concentrations of the analyte. Species movement is caused by a module array imparting opposing dielectrophoretic forces. The module array includes a plurality of microfluidic channels with connecting microfluidic waste channels for directing undesired material away from the analyte. An electric field is applied causing a positive dielectrophoretic force to the analyte to capture the analyte. The Clausius-Mossotti factor of the analyte is changed by flushing the analyte with a reference solution, which causes a negative dielectrophoretic force to facilitate release of the analyte. A field effect nanowire or nanoribbon sensor detects the analyte after capture.