Electrode Lysis System for Biological Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lysing biological species in samples are either costly, difficult to automate, polluting, or inefficient, particularly due to the need for expensive equipment, noise generation, and potential denaturation of biological species.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a tank with two electrodes spaced apart to generate an electric arc and shock waves in an aqueous solution, allowing for reliable, easy, and cost-effective lysis of biological species, with a pulse generator circuit and acoustic reflectors to optimize the lysis process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical reagents are added to lyse biological species, then lysis effectiveness is improved, but solution pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical lysis methods with a physical mechanism involving two electrodes that generate an electric field to lyse biological species. The first electrode has a rough bearing surface that mechanically shears cell walls when electrical current passes through, achieving lysis without chemical reagents that would pollute the solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system serves multiple functions: it generates the electric field for lysis, provides mechanical shearing through the rough surface, and enables automatic operation. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require separate chemical reagents and mechanical processing steps.
2Reliability
If mechanical grinding is used for lysis, then lysis effectiveness is improved, but automation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical grinding with an electrically-driven mechanism. The rough bearing surface on the first electrode automatically shears cell walls when electrical current passes through the solution, eliminating the need for manual grinding operations and enabling easy automation.
3Reliability
If shock waves from Laser are used for lysis, then lysis effectiveness is improved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive laser shock wave generation with a simple electrical circuit comprising a power source and two electrodes. The electric field between the electrodes generates the necessary shock waves and mechanical shearing forces, eliminating the need for costly laser equipment while maintaining lysis effectiveness.
4Reliability
If ultrasonic shock waves are used for lysis, then lysis effectiveness is improved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic shock wave generation with an electrical field-based mechanism. The rough bearing surface electrode provides mechanical shearing through electrical current, eliminating the high-frequency vibrations and noise associated with ultrasonic devices while achieving effective lysis.
5Reliability
If thermal method is used for lysis, then lysis effectiveness is improved, but biological species denaturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal lysis with a mechanical shearing mechanism driven by electrical current. The rough bearing surface physically breaks cell walls through shear forces generated during electrical conduction, avoiding the high temperatures that would denature biological species while still achieving effective lysis.
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 effectively lysing biological species with minimal equipment costs, automation, and reduced energy consumption, while avoiding pollution and ensuring efficient recovery of biological material.
Implementation Method 1
Application of at least one voltage pulse between the two electrodes using the voltage pulse generator circuit connected to the two electrodes, said pulse being generated at sufficient amplitude and for a sufficient duration to cause the creation of an electric arc between the end of the first electrode and the end of the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
resulting in the generation of at least one shock wave in said solution
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 4C~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for lysing biological species present in an aqueous solution and for recovering biological material resulting from the lysis of these species. The method is implemented using a system comprising: - A tank (20) defining a volume, - A first electrode (21) and a second electrode (22), each having an end placed within the volume formed by the tank, - A voltage pulse generator circuit (3). The method consists of applying at least one voltage pulse between the two electrodes using the voltage pulse generator circuit (3) connected to the two electrodes, thereby creating an electric arc between the end of the first electrode and the end of the second electrode and generating at least one shock wave in the solution.