Electrowetting Microfluidic Chip for Rapid Partition Coefficient Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining partition coefficients are time-consuming, solvent-intensive, and require large quantities of analytes, limiting their efficiency and practicality.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a microfluidic chip to mix an emulsion with a tracer, followed by demulsification and measurement of optical properties using an optical detection system, allowing for the rapid determination of partition coefficients with reduced solvent and analyte usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional static shake-flask method or coreflooding method is used to determine partition coefficients, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires large quantities of solvents and analytes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartition coefficient determination accuracyVSAvoiddetermination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical mixing methods (shake-flask) with an electrowetting-based system that uses electrical fields to control droplet formation and mixing. This substitution enables rapid partition coefficient determination while maintaining measurement accuracy, directly addressing the time-consuming nature of conventional methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and control parameters by using electrowetting to dynamically control interfacial tension and droplet behavior. This parameter change allows for rapid equilibrium establishment and measurement, reducing determination time while preserving accuracy through precise electrical field control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional methods are used to determine partition coefficients, then reliable measurements can be obtained, but large quantities of solvents and analytes are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsolvent and analyte consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The electrowetting-based droplet microfluidic system replaces bulk liquid handling with microscale droplet manipulation. This substitution reduces solvent and analyte consumption from milliliter-scale volumes to microliter or nanoliter scales while maintaining measurement reliability through precise electrical control of droplet formation and phase separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from bulk liquid-phase measurements to droplet-based interfacial measurements. By creating and controlling droplets in a microfluidic environment, the system measures partition coefficients at the liquid-liquid interface with minimal material consumption, achieving both reliability and reduced substance loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If traditional methods are used to determine partition coefficients, then comprehensive data can be collected, but the process lacks efficiency and practicality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata comprehensivenessVSAvoiddetermination efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrowetting-based system enables continuous droplet generation, mixing, and measurement without the need for repeated manual operations. The electrical fields continuously control droplet formation and phase separation, allowing for rapid sequential measurements that maintain data comprehensiveness while dramatically improving determination efficiency and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enables the rapid and efficient determination of partition coefficients, significantly reducing the time and resources required compared to traditional methods, while maintaining accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The optical properties include ultraviolet visibility or fluorescence intensity. Measuring the optical properties includes exposing a sample to light at 214 nanometer wavelength.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The optical properties include ultraviolet visibility or fluorescence intensity. Measuring the optical properties comprises measuring a visibility or fluorescent intensity of the sample responsive to exposing the sample to light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

The emulsion is demulsified into an oil component and an aqueous component. Demulsifying the emulsion includes flowing the mixed emulsion and tracer through a membrane separator.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20250180480A1Determining partition coefficients of tracer analytes

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Optical properties of a tracer in water are measured at varying concentrations. A reference curve is built based on the measured optical properties at varying concentrations. An emulsion is mixed with the tracer. The emulsion is demulsified into an oil component and an aqueous component. Optical properties of one of the components are measured. A partition coefficient is determined based on the measured optical properties of a demulsified component and the reference curve.