Microstructured Electrode for EV Isolation and Cargo Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating extracellular vesicles (EVs) are inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to contamination, requiring specialized equipment and multiple steps, while existing electroporation techniques are challenging for loading EVs and exosomes due to high voltage pulses that can destroy biological entities and electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using an electrically conductive micro- or nanostructured material with a ligand for specific binding, allowing EVs to be isolated and loaded with cargo molecules through controlled voltage application, enabling high-throughput purification and preconcentration in a single platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If classical electroporation is used to load EVs, then EVs can be loaded with cargo molecules, but high voltage pulses may destroy biological entities and electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters from high voltage pulses to controlled low voltage application over extended periods, enabling EV loading without destruction of biological entities or electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic voltage application with controlled duration and intensity, allowing EVs to be loaded through repeated cycles of voltage application and relaxation, avoiding the destructive effects of continuous high voltage
2Reliability
If multiple centrifugation steps are used for EV purification, then EVs can be isolated, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple purification functions (centrifugation, filtration, affinity capture) into a single integrated microfluidic device that performs all steps simultaneously in one continuous process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the purification process into distinct functional zones within the microfluidic device, each handling a specific separation task, enabling parallel processing and reducing total time
3Speed
If microfluidics-based techniques are used for EV isolation, then fast performance and portability are achieved, but sample capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar microfluidic channels to three-dimensional stacked architecture with multiple layers of channels and chambers, dramatically increasing sample capacity while maintaining fast processing speeds
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
Facilitates rapid isolation and loading of EVs from large volumes of biological samples with high selectivity and integrity, maintaining biological entities and electrodes, suitable for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a surface formed by an electrically conductive micro- or nanostructured material... the surface comprises a ligand capable of specifically binding to said biomolecule
Implementation Method 2
After applying a voltage to said surface, the biomolecule or vesicle is released into a collection solution and collected
Implementation Method 3
A method and device using an electrically conductive micro- or nanostructured material with a ligand for specific binding, allowing EVs to be isolated and loaded with cargo molecules through controlled voltage application
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for isolating a biomolecule. A liquid sample comprising the biomolecule is contacted with an electrically conductive surface. The surface carries a chemical modification facilitating retention of said biomolecule, or an electrical retention potential is applied to said surface. The biomolecule is released by applying a voltage to the surface. The invention further relates to a device comprising a chamber configured for receiving a liquid sample, wherein a first surface of said chamber is a working electrode formed by a high-surface, electrochemically active material embedded in a non-electrically conductive polymer matrix. The device further comprises a counter electrode and connections to a voltage source. The invention further relates to a device and method for loading an extracellular vesicle with cargo molecules.