Flow-Through Electroporation Channel for Uniform Electric Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation devices suffer from non-uniform electric fields leading to cell death and phenotypic changes, and are poorly suited for high-throughput experimentation and scalability.
Innovation Solution
An electroporation apparatus with a scalable design that generates uniform electric fields by using multiple electrodes to control electric field strength and direction, minimizing cell contact with electrodes and incorporating separate buffer channels for cooling and electrochemical protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cuvette-based electroporation systems are used, then electroporation can be performed, but the electric field becomes distorted causing local pH variation, metal ion dissolution, cavitation, excess heat generation, and variable cell exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The electroporation chamber is segmented into multiple regions with separate inlets and outlets, allowing different buffer supplies to be introduced at different locations. This segmentation enables better control over electric field distribution and reduces localized harmful effects by distributing the electroporation process across multiple controlled zones rather than a single cuvette chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing different buffer conditions at different locations within the electroporation chamber. The first and second buffer supplies can have different compositions or temperatures, allowing optimization of local conditions to minimize harmful effects such as heat generation or pH variation in specific regions while maintaining effective electroporation.
2Productivity
If flow-based electroporators with cells in contact with electrodes are used, then continuous operation is possible, but cells are exposed to excessive electric field causing prolonged or irreversible electroporation and cell death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buffer supplies as intermediary substances between the electrodes and cells. The first buffer supply introduced at the first inlet and the second buffer supply introduced at the second inlet act as mediators that conduct electricity while protecting cells from direct contact with electrodes and excessive electric field exposure, enabling continuous operation with improved cell survival.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the flow of buffers and cells through the electroporation chamber, allowing continuous operation. The dynamic flow ensures that cells are exposed to optimized electric field conditions for only the necessary duration while being continuously replenished by buffer supplies, preventing prolonged exposure that would cause cell death.
3Reliability
If capillary electroporation devices are used, then small batch electroporation can be performed, but the system is poorly suited for high throughput experimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The electroporation chamber is designed with universal functionality to handle both precise small-scale electroporation and high-throughput applications. The multiple inlets and outlets configuration allows the same device to operate in different modes - maintaining precision through controlled buffer introduction while enabling high throughput through continuous flow capability and scalability.
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
Improves cell viability and scalability, enabling efficient electroporation with high throughput and reduced harmful effects on cells.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second electrodes are configured to provide a potential difference between the second inlet and the first inlet, or between the second inlet and the outlet, such that, in use, an electric field is generated in, and substantially parallel to, the electroporation channel
Implementation Method 2
an electroporation channel for carrying cells in a liquid, the electroporation channel comprising: a first inlet arranged to introduce the cells and a first supply of liquid into the electroporation channel
Data Source
AI summary
An electroporation apparatus is disclosed, comprising:an electroporation channel for carrying cells in a liquid, the electroporation channel comprising:a first inlet arranged to introduce the cells and a first supply of liquid into the electroporation channel,an outlet arranged to receive the cells from the electroporation channel, anda second inlet arranged to introduce a second supply of liquid into the electroporation channel, the second inlet being located between the first inlet and the outlet;wherein the electroporation apparatus further comprises a first electrode which is configured to be electrically connected to the electroporation channel via the first inlet or the outlet and a second electrode which is configured to be electrically connected to the electroporation channel via the second inlet; andwherein the first and second electrodes are configured to provide a potential difference between the second inlet and the first inlet, or between the second inlet and the outlet, such that, in use, an electric field is generated in, and substantially parallel to, the electroporation channel.