Electrokinetic Potential Well for Airborne Pathogen Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting bio-specific agents from air streams often result in high dilution of samples, reducing sensitivity unless agents are re-concentrated, and do not effectively utilize electric field gradients to focus particles onto collection means for assays.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrodes to create a potential well that draws charged particles from a flowing dielectric fluid stream, either electrokinetically or mechanically, and focuses them onto a collection means for bio-specific assays, enhancing sensitivity by electrostatic precipitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If agents are collected from air using conventional pumping and filtration methods, then large volumes of air can be sampled, but the samples become highly diluted reducing assay sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a third dimension (vertical electrostatic field) to the conventional horizontal air sampling process. Charged particles are drawn vertically onto the collection surface through electrostatic attraction, creating a focused concentration area that overcomes the dilution effect of large volume sampling while maintaining high assay sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and distribution parameters of collected particles by applying electrostatic fields. Instead of uniform distribution across the filter surface, charged particles are concentrated at specific locations on the collection means through electrostatic attraction, effectively increasing local concentration and assay sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If electrostatic precipitation is used to collect charged particles, then particles can be focused onto a small collection area, but the system requires complex electrode arrangements and voltage control
Solution Approach 1:
The collection means serves multiple functions: it acts as both the air filter and the electrostatic collection surface, and also as the assay substrate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrodes and complex voltage control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective particle focusing
Solution Approach 2:
The collection means itself generates the electrostatic field necessary for particle concentration through its interaction with the dielectric fluid stream, eliminating the need for external electrode systems. The system uses the inherent properties of the collection means and flowing fluid to create the necessary electric field for particle focusing
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
This method efficiently captures and concentrates charged particles on a collection area, improving the sensitivity of bio-specific assays by allowing large volumes of fluid to be sampled and focused onto a small detection area, eliminating the need for separate extraction steps.
Implementation Method 1
One or more capture electrodes are positioned proximate the supporting means to create a voltage potential well whereby charged particles thus generated within the dielectric fluid medium, or pre-existing in said dielectric fluid medium, are propelled into the supported bio-specific assay device thereby electroprecipitating the charged particles on to a sample collection region of the bio-specific assay device.
Implementation Method 2
The agent is focused on to the collection means of the assay device by the potential well; and finally electrostatically precipitated thereon. The flowing air stream is created either electrokinetically or mechanically.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrokinetic methods are described with the purpose of collecting assayable agents directed by creation of an electrokinetic potential well. Environmental agents such as biowarfare agents, pathogens, allergens or pollutants are collected autonomously. The dielectric fluid medium, such as air, is sampled by electrokinetic propulsion. A further embodiment for collection of pathogen samples entails exposing the sample to an electric plasma in the neighborhood of a high voltage electrode or electrodes, further transported through a potential well created at a sample collection device conductive liquids, such as oils may be sampled for the presence of contaminants, contaminating organisms or bio-degrading organisms.