Sensing system and method of operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensing systems, such as those with nanopore arrays, face challenges in sample recovery, limited experimental flexibility, and electron mediator depletion, making it difficult to perform further procedures and achieve high accuracy in analysis.
Innovation Solution
An electrowetting device with a control system that manipulates droplets of liquid medium, allowing for non-linear movement and co-localization of samples with various environments, enabling flexible analysis and experimental procedures without the need for complex physical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a nanopore array sensing system is used for rapid detection and analysis of chemical species, then measurement speed and analysis capability are improved, but sample recovery becomes difficult and device access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independently accessible chambers (first chamber, second chamber, intermediate chamber) that can be accessed separately. The membrane with nanopores acts as a barrier that can be selectively breached to access specific chambers, enabling sample recovery from the intermediate chamber without damaging the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A blocking layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second chambers, containing the intermediate chamber. This blocking layer can be selectively removed or breached to access the intermediate chamber for sample recovery, while preserving the integrity of the nanopore membrane and other device components.
2Measurement precision
If the device structure is made complex to enable various sensing functions, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases and sample access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functional modules (sensing chamber with nanopores, intermediate chamber for sample holding, second chamber for post-analysis procedures) that can be independently accessed. This modular segmentation reduces the complexity of accessing specific functions while maintaining comprehensive sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate chamber containing the sample is extracted as a separable component between the nanopore membrane and the post-analysis chamber. This extraction allows the sample to be accessed and removed for further procedures without disassembling the complex nanopore array structure.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If electron mediator is added to extend device lifetime, then device durability is improved, but accessing the internal chamber to add mediator becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented with an accessible intermediate chamber that can be opened independently of the nanopore membrane assembly. This segmentation allows the electron mediator to be replenished in the intermediate chamber without disassembling the sensitive nanopore structure, extending device lifetime while maintaining ease of operation.
4Productivity
If rapid processing is used to maintain sample integrity, then analysis speed is improved, but measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the rapid detection function (nanopore array in first chamber) from the post-analysis function (second chamber). This segmentation allows rapid initial screening followed by slower, more accurate analysis procedures in the second chamber, optimizing both speed and accuracy for different stages of the workflow.
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 approach allows for rapid, automated analysis and manipulation of small droplet samples, improving data throughput and enabling multiple sensing procedures, thereby enhancing sample recovery and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an electrowetting device which comprises: an array of actuation electrodes; an insulator layer covering the actuation electrodes and having an outermost hydrophobic surface
Implementation Method 2
the droplet interface comprising a layer of amphipathic molecules
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensing system comprising an electrowetting device, which electrowetting device comprises an array of actuation electrodes, and a control system configures to perform droplet operations on a system of droplets present in the sensing system. The invention also relates to a method of operating the sensing system of the invention. The invention also provides novel droplet constructs which can be made and manipulated in the sensing system of the invention.