EWOD Device for Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Biomolecules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA isolation methods are costly, time-consuming, and require complex equipment, with magnetic bead-based systems being bulky and expensive, and alternative methods like liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) have not been effectively implemented on macro or microfluidic scales due to difficulties in controlling two-phase systems.
Innovation Solution
An electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device is used to perform liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) for biomolecule isolation, allowing for automated, efficient, and cost-effective DNA extraction by manipulating droplets on a digital microfluidic platform, eliminating the need for magnetic beads and external magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic bead-based systems are used for DNA isolation, then extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to bulky equipment and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of magnetic bead-based DNA isolation and implements it using only liquid-liquid extraction without magnetic beads, robots, or magnets. The two-phase system (aqueous and organic phases) directly separates DNA from impurities through partitioning, eliminating the need for magnetic particles and complex robotic manipulation systems while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microfluidic device as an intermediary platform that enables precise control of the two-phase LLE system. The microfluidic channels and droplet generation structures act as mediators to achieve efficient mixing and phase separation without requiring external magnets or complex mechanical manipulation, thus simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
2Extent of automation
If automated benchtop instruments with magnetic particles are used, then DNA isolation is automated, but the instruments become bulky and require multiple well plates and test tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from macro-scale automated instruments using multiple well plates and test tubes to a micro-scale integrated device. By miniaturizing the extraction process into a single microfluidic chip with integrated droplet generation and mixing chambers, the system achieves full automation while reducing the instrument footprint from bulky benchtop equipment to a compact portable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate operations (droplet generation, phase mixing, separation, and collection) that traditionally required multiple well plates and test tubes into a single integrated microfluidic device. The continuous flow system combines all extraction steps in one automated platform, eliminating the need for manual sample transfer between multiple containers while maintaining complete automation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional LLE methods are used for DNA isolation, then cost is reduced, but control of two-phase systems becomes difficult on macro and microfluidic scales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of two-phase LLE systems with electrically actuated droplet generation and manipulation. By using voltage-controlled interfaces to generate, merge, and separate droplets containing aqueous and organic phases, the system achieves precise control over the extraction process without requiring manual manipulation, thus maintaining ease of operation while reducing cost compared to magnetic bead methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the two-phase LLE system by changing electrical parameters (voltage applied to generate and manipulate droplets) rather than relying on complex mechanical control. By adjusting voltage magnitude and timing, the system precisely controls droplet formation, mixing duration, and phase separation, making the operation simple and reproducible while maintaining low cost without magnetic beads or specialized equipment.
4Reliability
If magnetic beads and multiple buffers are used in SPE method, then DNA extraction is effective, but process cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core separation function from the expensive magnetic bead and multi-buffer SPE protocol and replaces it with a simplified two-phase liquid-liquid extraction system. The aqueous phase containing DNA and the organic phase selectively partition to separate DNA from proteins and other impurities, achieving effective extraction without consuming magnetic beads or multiple expensive buffer solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single-use disposable microfluidic device that eliminates the need to recover and reuse expensive magnetic beads and buffer solutions. The integrated device performs the complete extraction in one pass, with phases separating automatically for collection, eliminating recurring costs associated with bead replacement and buffer regeneration while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
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
The EWOD device enables high-efficiency DNA extraction with reduced sample consumption and automation, providing a faster, less costly, and more user-friendly process compared to traditional methods, while also being applicable for isolating other biomolecules like proteins and RNA.
Implementation Method 1
electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device
Implementation Method 2
liquid-to-liquid extraction (LLE)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for performing biomolecule extraction are provided that use liquid-to-liquid extraction (LLE) in combination with an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device to provide a biomolecule extraction solution that has high extraction efficiency and that is less costly and easier to use than current state of the art methods and systems. The system and method are well suited for, but not limited to, extraction of DNA, RNA and protein molecules.