Electrophoresis Cassette Electrode Layout for Uniform Analyte Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for studying spatial heterogeneity in tissues fail to provide information on the position of single cells within the originating biological sample, and electrophoretic systems lack optimal electrode designs for uniform analyte migration and efficient electrical interfacing.
Innovation Solution
An electrophoretic system comprising a substrate with conductive regions and capture probes, a substrate cassette with buffer chambers, a cathode assembly, and a power supply that generates an electric field for uniform analyte migration towards capture probes, with features for ensuring proper electrical connections and alerting users of improper connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrophoretic systems are used, then analyte migration can be achieved, but electrode placement and electrical interfacing are not optimized leading to migration drift and reduced precision
Solution Approach 1:
The electrophoretic system is divided into modular components: a substrate with integrated conductive regions, a substrate cassette with buffer chambers, a cathode assembly with multiple electrodes, and a power supply. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision for analyte migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate includes specific conductive regions with conductive materials (ITO, FTO, AZO, TCO, or aluminum) positioned at precise locations to create controlled electric fields. The cathode assembly has multiple electrodes positioned within buffer chambers at specific distances from the substrate, creating localized optimal electric field regions that reduce migration drift while maintaining spatial resolution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If electrode placement is optimized for uniform analyte migration, then migration drift is reduced, but electrical interfacing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate integrates both the sample holding function and the anode function through conductive regions directly on the substrate surface. The substrate cassette combines buffer chamber containment with electrical connection features. This merging reduces the number of separate electrical interfaces needed while maintaining uniform analyte migration through properly positioned conductive regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive materials (ITO, FTO, AZO, TCO, or aluminum) on the substrate serve as intermediaries between the power supply and the biological sample. These materials enable controlled electrical field generation without direct exposure of electrodes to the sample, facilitating uniform analyte migration while simplifying electrical interfacing through standardized connection points.
3Productivity
If electrical connections are properly ensured, then analyte migration efficiency is improved, but system reliability against improper connections decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply includes circuitry to detect and respond to improper electrical connections during electrophoresis. The system monitors the electrical circuit integrity between the substrate, substrate cassette, and cathode assembly, and can alert users or prevent operation when connections are improper, ensuring both migration efficiency and system reliability.
4Reliability
If conductive materials are integrated into the substrate, then electrical conductivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate uses conductive materials (ITO, FTO, AZO, TCO, or aluminum) that can be deposited using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. By selecting materials and deposition parameters that are compatible with existing manufacturing processes, the system achieves reliable electrical conductivity while minimizing increases in manufacturing complexity.
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
Enhances sensitivity and resolution in spatial transcriptomics by optimizing electrode placement and electrical interfacing, reducing analyte migration drift, and ensuring proper electrical connections for efficient analyte migration.
Implementation Method 1
an electrophoretic system for analyte migration... the power supply configured to generate an electric field between the plurality of regions and the plurality of electrodes, respectively, such that the analyte in the biological sample moves toward the one or more capture probes on the substrate
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Various implementations of electrophoretic systems and instruments are provided to improve electrophoresis and ease of use. Various electrophoretic systems and instruments utilize different electrode designs that can result in uniform electromigration of analytes. The electrophoretic systems and instrumentations optimize the size and/or location of electrodes relative to a sample, thereby increasing uniformity of electric field and reducing or minimizing drift of analyte migration. In addition, the electrophoresis systems and instruments provide a solution to conveniently check for electrical connections in the systems and instruments, and alert users of potential improper electrical connections, prior to performing electrophoresis.