Electrowetting Device with Multi-Zone Droplet Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrowetting devices can only process droplets with one set of operating parameters at a time, limiting their ability to support multiple library preparation workflows simultaneously and on-demand, which is inefficient for next-generation sequencing workflows.
Innovation Solution
A fluid processing device with multiple functional zones, each equipped with sub-zones for heat application, magnetic field application, and light manipulation, allowing for customized and simultaneous processing of droplets across different workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrowetting devices use fixed functional zones with single operating parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independently controllable functional zones, each capable of performing different processing operations (heating, magnetic field application, light irradiation) with different operating parameters. This segmentation allows simultaneous execution of multiple workflows with different requirements without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
Each functional zone is designed to perform multiple processing functions (thermal treatment, magnetic field application, light irradiation/detection) within a single zone. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated zones for each operation type, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If samples are processed in batches, then instrument utilization is improved, but processing lead time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous processing of samples by allowing multiple workflows to run simultaneously in different functional zones. Samples can be processed on-demand without waiting for batch accumulation, eliminating idle time while maintaining high instrument utilization through parallel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows preparation of processing conditions in advance for multiple workflows. Different functional zones can be pre-configured with different operating parameters (temperatures, magnetic field strengths, light wavelengths) so that when samples arrive, processing can begin immediately without setup delays.
3Ease of operation
If fixed operating parameters are used in functional zones, then device operation is simplified, but workflow flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamically adjustable operating parameters in each functional zone, allowing real-time modification of temperature, magnetic field strength, and light characteristics. This dynamic control enables the same device to adapt to different workflow requirements without complicating the user interface, as changes are made through software control rather than physical reconfiguration.
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
Enables efficient, on-demand processing of droplets for various library preparation workflows, reducing processing lead times and enhancing the flexibility of sequencing workflows by allowing multiple workflows to be initiated at different times.
Implementation Method 1
a first plate-like structure and a second plate-like structure configured to manipulate one or more droplets, which are located between the first and the second plate-like structure, by electrowetting
Implementation Method 2
a first sub-zone for applying heat to the one or more droplets
Implementation Method 3
second sub-zone for applying a magnetic field to the one or more droplets
Implementation Method 4
a third sub-zone for providing light onto and/or detecting light emitted by the one or more droplets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices for manipulating droplets of a fluid by electrowetting. The disclosure provides a fluid processing device comprising a first plate-like structure and a second plate-like structure, which are configured to manipulate one or more droplets located between the first and the second plate-like structure by electrowetting. The fluid processing device comprises a plurality of functional zones, and each functional zone comprises at least two of a first sub-zone for applying heat to the one or more droplets, a second sub-zone for applying a magnetic field to the one or more droplets, and a third sub-zone for providing light onto and/or detecting light emitted by the one or more droplets.