Electrowetting Cartridge for Low-Power Blood Cell Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood analysis methods require specialized training and equipment, leading to high patient costs and long wait times for results. Additionally, existing point-of-care systems often lack accuracy or the ability to perform comprehensive blood analyses.
Innovation Solution
The development of a portable cartridge system that uses electrowetting electrodes to analyze biological samples, including blood, with integrated sensors for cell counting and analyte detection. This system allows for quick, accurate, and convenient blood analysis without the need for specialized training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If digital microfluidics using electrowetting electrodes is used to manipulate liquid droplets, then liquid actuation is achieved, but high voltage is required which increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by using pulse-width modulation (PWM) to deliver high voltage only during brief pulses rather than continuously. This allows the electrowetting electrodes to achieve liquid droplet actuation when needed while maintaining low average power consumption through duty cycle control of the voltage application.
2Measurement precision
If clinical laboratory equipment with specialized training is used, then accurate blood analysis is achieved, but high cost and long wait times result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core blood analysis functionality from complex clinical laboratory equipment and implements it in a simplified portable device. By using impedance sensors and electrowetting-based microfluidics, the system performs complete blood counts and metabolic panels in a point-of-care setting, eliminating the need for centralized laboratory processing while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable blood analysis system enables self-service or minimal-assist operation where users can perform blood testing without specialized training. The automated electrowetting-driven fluid handling and integrated sensors allow the device to perform sample preparation, analysis, and result generation autonomously, removing the need for trained technicians while providing rapid results.
3Ease of operation
If high voltage electrowetting electrodes are used, then liquid manipulation is achieved, but device portability and battery operation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic voltage pulses to the electrowetting electrodes rather than continuous high voltage. By using pulsed actuation with appropriate duty cycles, the system achieves effective liquid droplet manipulation during the pulse periods while keeping average power consumption low enough to enable battery operation and device portability.
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 enables rapid and accurate analysis of blood samples, including complete blood counts and metabolic panels, with the potential for lower costs and reduced wait times. It also allows for the use of low-voltage electrowetting electrodes, reducing power consumption and enabling battery-powered devices.
Implementation Method 1
Digital microfluidics using electrowetting electrodes is a developing field that explores actuation of liquid droplets by modulating hydrophobicity by applying an electrical field to the liquid
Implementation Method 2
A multiplexed electrical current is applied to the micropore and a multiplexed impedance is detected within the micropore
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are cartridges and devices for operating said cartridges for analyzing a biological sample, such as a blood or saliva sample. Also described herein is an impedance sensor for analyzing a biological sample. Further described herein are methods of determining a cell count or detecting an analyte in a biological sample, which can include transporting the biological sample through a sensor comprising a channel or pore; applying an electrical current or voltage to the channel or pore; detecting an impedance within the channel or pore; and determining a cell count or detecting the analyte based on the detected impedance. Also described herein is an electrowetting electrode array that is configured to transport aqueous solutions using low voltage, such as about 50 volts or less. Further described herein are methods of transporting an aqueous liquid using electrowetting electrodes.