Epitachophoresis Volume Coupling for Large-Sample Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophoresis devices and methods are limited to small sample volumes, making the analysis of larger biological samples, such as nucleic acids from blood and plasma, difficult, and there is a need for improved methods to concentrate and separate components of samples effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of epitachophoresis methods and devices that allow for electromigration in two dimensions, focusing samples into a smaller volume and increasing concentration through a concentric or polygonal disk architecture, utilizing varying electrolytes and electric fields to create focused zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional capillary or microfluidic channel designs are used for electrophoresis, then the device can handle small volumes (μl scale) of sample, but the analysis of large volume biological samples becomes difficult and sample concentration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional linear channels to two-dimensional concentric circular channels. This dimensional change enables the system to handle larger sample volumes while achieving effective concentration through the radial geometry, where samples are focused into concentric rings that converge toward the center, thereby resolving the contradiction between volume handling and concentration efficiency
2Productivity
If conventional electrophoresis devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the separation and concentration performance for biological samples is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second spatial dimension by using concentric circular channels instead of linear channels. This creates a two-dimensional separation space where samples undergo electromigration along radial paths, enhancing separation performance and concentration capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the channels from linear to concentric circular shapes, changing the spatial distribution of the electric field and sample flow. This parameter change enables improved separation and concentration performance through the radial geometry without requiring complex additional components
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 efficient concentration and separation of sample components, achieving concentration factors of up to 1,000 and facilitating further analysis with improved sample handling and detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
electrophoresis generally involves the movement of an electrically-charged substance (e.g., molecules or ions) under the influence of an electric field
Implementation Method 2
ETP methods and devices that provide these and other improvements are described herein... Electromigration of a sample may first occur in a first dimension along a single plane. Electromigration may then continue in a second dimension
Implementation Method 3
The balance of electromigration and diffusion at the zone boundaries in ITP typically results in sharp moving boundaries
Data Source
AI summary
Epitachophoresis (ETP) methods and devices that improve concentrating samples and/or separating components of samples. ETP methods and devices allow for electromigration in two dimensions. Electromigration of a sample may first occur in a first dimension along a single plane. Electromigration may then continue in a second dimension, which may be different from the first dimension. The volume where the electromigration occurs may significantly reduce from the first dimension to the second dimension. This smaller dimension may allow for increased concentration of samples or improved separation of components of a sample.