Digital Immunochip Using Dielectric Wetting for Low-Reagent Immunoassay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing immunoassay methods are complex, consume excessive reagents, have low flux, and are prone to operator variability due to the need for manual incubation and separation of immune complexes.

Innovation Solution

A digital immunochip with driving electrodes and hydrophobic layers is used to accurately position and move reagent droplets for antigen-antibody binding, employing dielectric wetting principles to minimize reagent consumption and enhance reaction efficiency, allowing for rapid and precise detection with minimal artificial influence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If traditional immunoassay methods are used, then the detection can be performed, but the process is complex and consumes excessive reagents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent consumptionVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chip is divided into multiple independent detection regions, each capable of performing immunoassay separately. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously, reducing overall reagent consumption while simplifying the overall process through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Manual incubation and separation operations are replaced by automated driving electrodes that use electric fields to control fluid movement. The driving electrodes enable automated sample transport and reagent dispensing, eliminating manual intervention and reducing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual incubation and separation are performed, then the immunoassay can be completed, but operator variability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection consistencyVSAvoidoperator influence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The chip performs self-automation through integrated driving electrodes that automatically control fluid movement and reagent dispensing. The system serves itself by using electric field control to eliminate manual operations, ensuring consistent results regardless of operator skill level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced by automated electro-driven fluid control. The driving electrodes use electric fields to precisely control sample and reagent movement, eliminating operator variability and improving detection consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If traditional immunoassay is used, then detection can be performed, but the flux is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection fluxVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The chip contains multiple independent detection regions that can operate simultaneously. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple samples, significantly increasing detection flux and reducing total detection time compared to sequential traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automated driving electrodes enable continuous fluid movement and rapid reagent dispensing without interruption. The system maintains continuous operation through automated control, eliminating idle times associated with manual operations and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 digital immunochip achieves high flux and low reagent consumption, enabling rapid and precise detection of immune substances with reduced operator influence, using a small amount of reagent droplet and facilitating simultaneous detection of multiple antigens.

Implementation Method 1

employing dielectric wetting principles to minimize reagent consumption and enhance reaction efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric wetting: Electrowetting

Implementation Method 2

a first hydrophobic layer on a side of the dielectric layer away from the first base substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS11913947B2Digital immunochip and manufacture method of the same

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a digital immunochip and a manufacture method thereof. The digital immunochip includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are opposite to each other. The first substrate includes: a first base substrate; at least one driving electrode on the first base substrate and configured to drive an object to be detected to move; a dielectric layer on a side of the at least one driving electrode away from the first base substrate and covering the at least one driving electrode; and a first hydrophobic layer on a side of the dielectric layer away from the first base substrate. The second substrate includes: a second base substrate; and an immunoassay substance on a side of the second base substrate proximal to the first hydrophobic layer of the first substrate and including an antigen or an antibody.