Fluidic Devices With Integrated Electrodes for Contamination-Free Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrophoretic separation devices require external, non-disposable electrodes that can lead to contamination issues when isolating or extracting sample components, and the manual extraction process of DNA or protein fragments from separation matrices is time-consuming and potentially damaging to the samples.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrodes directly into fluidic devices, with a multilayer card and caddy configuration that allows for dry electrical contact and minimizes contamination risks, enabling in-device extraction and isolation of sample components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external non-disposable electrodes are used in electrophoretic separation devices, then the device structure is simpler and electrodes can be reused, but contamination occurs between samples and manual extraction of DNA/protein fragments becomes necessary which is time-consuming and potentially damaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrodes with the fluidic card by forming conductive traces directly on the card substrate, integrating the electrical component into the fluidic device. This eliminates the need for separate external electrodes and enables the card to function as both the separation medium and the electrical conductor, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable fluidic cards with integrated electrodes that are discarded after a single use. This eliminates cross-contamination between samples since each card is used only once, and the low cost of the disposable card allows for frequent replacement without significant expense
2Productivity
If manual extraction of DNA fragments from separation matrix is performed, then fragments can be isolated for further processing, but the process is time-consuming and potentially damaging to the DNA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual extraction process with an electrical system. Conductive traces are formed directly on the separation matrix, allowing electrical current to be applied to selectively move or isolate DNA fragments without physical contact. This eliminates the mechanical damage that occurs during manual cutting and extraction while dramatically improving extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductive traces as an intermediary between the electrodes and the separation matrix. These traces enable electrical interaction with the DNA fragments without requiring direct mechanical manipulation of the gel or matrix, thereby isolating the DNA through electrical fields rather than physical cutting
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If UV light is used to visualize separated DNA fragments, then fragments can be located for extraction, but DNA can be damaged if exposed too long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces UV light visualization with electrical detection methods. By forming conductive traces on the separation matrix, the system can detect DNA fragment positions through electrical signals or current patterns without exposing the DNA to damaging UV radiation, thereby eliminating the trade-off between detection and damage
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 solution allows for efficient and contamination-free extraction of sample components within the device, reducing the need for external electrodes and minimizing sample damage, thereby streamlining the analysis and processing of biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage gradient is applied along the length of the channel. As the sample components are electrophoretically transported along the length of the channel
Implementation Method 2
The separated components are then detected at a detection point along the length of the channel
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The invention provides fluidic devices having incorporated electrodes, systems for using such devices, and methods for manufacturing such devices. The invention also provides fluidic devices configured to absorb joule heating within the device.