Diffusiophoretic Micro-Object Extraction for Rapid Point-of-Care Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing point-of-care testing technologies require complex equipment and take a long time to concentrate and separate test target materials, hindering their effectiveness in resource-limited settings.

Innovation Solution

A micro-object extraction method using diffusiophoresis, involving a micro-object collection and extraction apparatus with microchannels and nanochannels, utilizes concentration and diffusivity differences to collect and extract micro-objects through chemiphoresis and electrophoresis, enabling efficient extraction without external power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing technologies are used to concentrate and separate test target materials, then the materials can be processed, but the equipment becomes complicated and the process takes a long time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration and separation speedVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple microchannels (first microchannel, second microchannel, collection channel) and nanochannels that are spatially separated and dedicated to specific functions. Each channel handles a specific stage of the concentration and separation process, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall processing time while maintaining simple individual channel structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces chemical substances as intermediaries to enable concentration and separation without complex mechanical or electrical equipment. Specifically, it uses substances that generate concentration gradients (such as those creating chemiphoresis effects) and substances that create electrophoretic mobility differences, allowing microorganisms to be separated based on their surface charge properties through chemical rather than mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If existing technologies are used for point-of-care testing, then diagnosis can be performed, but the equipment is complicated and processing time is long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis timeVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microchannel system performs concentration and separation automatically using inherent biological and chemical properties of the samples and reagents. The system leverages natural chemiphoresis and electrophoresis phenomena that occur when solutions with different concentrations and compositions are introduced, eliminating the need for external pumps, motors, or complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical concentration and separation systems (such as centrifuges, filters, or magnetic separation devices) with chemical and electrochemical fields. By introducing solutions that create concentration gradients and electrophoretic forces, the system achieves separation based on molecular and cellular properties without mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method allows for easy and controlled collection and extraction of micro-objects using a simple device, leveraging self-powered energy and efficient energy usage, facilitating rapid and effective micro-object identification.

Implementation Method 1

a micro-object extraction method using diffusiophoresis enabling collection and extraction of micro-objects by using the concentration difference of a solution including the micro-objects to be extracted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusiophoresis: Diffusiophoresis

Implementation Method 2

collecting micro-objects into the collection channel by chemiphoresis caused by a concentration difference between the first solution and the second solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemiphoresis:

Implementation Method 3

and by electrophoresis caused by a diffusivity difference of the first solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS12624380B2Micro-object extraction method using diffusiophoresis, and micro-object identification method using same

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 UNIST (ULSAN NAT INST OF SCI & TECH)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a micro-object extraction method using diffusiophoresis enabling collection and extraction of micro-objects by using the concentration difference of a solution including the micro-objects to be extracted, and a micro-object identification method using same, wherein the present invention has the following advantages: desired micro-objects can be easily extracted only with a simple device by using diffusiophoresis; the collection and extraction of micro-objects can be easily controlled by changing the type of solution injected into a micro-channel; and energy usage is efficient by using self-powered energy by diffusiophoresis without separate external power required for extracting micro-objects.