Fluidic Devices with Integrated Electrodes for DNA Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluidic devices for electrophoretic separations require external, non-disposable electrodes, leading to potential contamination issues and inefficiencies in isolating and extracting separated components, particularly DNA fragments, due to the need for manual UV visualization and extraction from agarose gels, which is time-consuming and damaging to the DNA.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrodes directly into the fluidic devices, either in the card or caddy, to enable dry electrical contact and Joule heating absorption, allowing for in-device extraction and isolation of separated components without external electrode contamination, using conductive materials like carbon paste or metal electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external non-disposable electrodes are used for electrophoretic separations, then the separation function is achieved, but contamination issues arise and extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode function directly into the fluidic device by incorporating electrodes into the card or caddy structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate external electrodes, preventing contamination while maintaining the electrophoretic separation function. The electrodes are positioned to provide dry electrical contact through the caddy reservoirs, combining multiple functions into a single integrated device.
2Measurement precision
If manual UV visualization and extraction from agarose gels is performed, then DNA fragments can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and damaging to the DNA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DNA fragments directly from the separation medium into collection reservoirs within the device, eliminating the need for manual gel extraction. The caddy structure includes reservoirs that collect separated components as they migrate through the channel, allowing direct transfer from separation to collection without time-consuming manual steps involving UV visualization and gel cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically collecting separated DNA fragments in the caddy reservoirs as they exit the separation channel. This automated collection process eliminates the need for manual intervention in the extraction process, reducing both time and potential damage to the DNA samples while maintaining identification accuracy through integrated detection capabilities.
3Productivity
If electrodes are incorporated into the fluidic device, then contamination is prevented and extraction efficiency improves, but device manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the caddy structure to serve multiple purposes: it provides dry electrical contact for electrode integration, contains collection reservoirs for separated components, and facilitates direct transfer of DNA fragments. This universal design approach allows a single structure to perform multiple functions, improving extraction efficiency while managing manufacturing complexity through consolidated design rather than separate 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 design facilitates efficient and contamination-free extraction of separated components, reducing the risk of DNA damage and improving processing efficiency by integrating electrodes within the device, enabling direct electrical contact and Joule heating management.
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
Fluidic devices configured to absorb joule heating within the device
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The invention provides fluidic devices having incorporated electrodes and systems for using such devices. One device comprises a card and a caddy. The caddy comprises first and second caddy segments. The first caddy segment comprises first and second electrodes. The second caddy segment comprises first and second reservoirs disposed on a first surface of the second segment, a channel disposed on a second surface of the second segment, and first and second vias extending between the first and second surfaces. The first caddy segment is attached to the first surface of the second caddy segment, and the card is attached to the second surface of the second caddy segment such that the card provides a closed surface for the device.