Folded Electrokinetic Microelectrode Arrays for In-Tube Biomarker Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood draw logistics and techniques face challenges in maintaining sample integrity and efficiency for downstream biomarker analysis, leading to biomarker degradation, dilution, and interference from blood cell components, requiring multiple draws and complex processing steps.
Innovation Solution
Miniaturized electronic systems with high-surface area electrokinetic microelectrode arrays that enable immediate isolation, concentration, and storage of biomarkers using AC dielectrophoretic and DC electrophoretic separation, integrated into blood collection tubes, allowing in-situ sample preparation and analysis without centrifugation or chemical isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blood draw and processing techniques are used, then sample collection is simple, but biomarker degradation and dilution occur, requiring multiple draws and complex processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (isolation, concentration, separation, and analysis) into a single integrated microelectrode device that can be placed directly in the blood collection tube. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate processing steps and multiple blood draws, while maintaining sample integrity through immediate in-situ processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary isolation and concentration of biomarkers immediately upon blood collection, before degradation can occur. The microelectrode array is pre-positioned in the collection tube to begin separation processes as soon as the sample is obtained, preventing downstream degradation and dilution issues.
2Reliability
If immediate isolation and concentration of biomarkers is implemented, then biomarker degradation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical processing systems (centrifugation, filtration, chemical isolation) with an electrokinetic microelectrode system that uses electric fields for separation. This substitution maintains biomarker stability through immediate processing while reducing mechanical complexity by eliminating the need for centrifuges, filters, and chemical reagents.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes changes in electric field parameters (AC and DC components with specific frequencies and amplitudes) to achieve selective separation and concentration of biomarkers. By dynamically adjusting electrical parameters rather than using complex mechanical or chemical systems, the patent maintains biomarker stability with a relatively simple device structure.
3Productivity
If high surface area microelectrode arrays are used, then separation and isolation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional folded configuration of microelectrode arrays, stacking multiple electrode layers vertically to achieve high surface area within a compact volume. This dimensional approach increases separation efficiency by providing more electrode surface for biomarker interaction, while the modular stacked design simplifies fabrication compared to creating a single large complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The microelectrode arrays are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration where multiple electrode layers are positioned one within another or one above another. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available space, achieving high surface area efficiency while maintaining a compact device structure that is easier to manufacture than extended two-dimensional arrays.
4Measurement precision
If AC dielectrophoretic and DC electrophoretic separation is used, then isolation precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic AC electric fields with specific frequencies to achieve dielectrophoretic separation, alternating between different field configurations to selectively manipulate different biomarker types. This periodic action enables precise isolation of specific biomarkers while consuming less energy than continuous DC fields, as the alternating nature allows for more efficient use of electrical energy and reduced heating effects.
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, efficient isolation and analysis of biomarkers, preventing degradation and interference, enabling multiple tests from a single blood draw with immediate results and reduced logistical issues.
Implementation Method 1
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is an electrokinetic phenomenon in which a force is exerted on a dielectric particle (e.g., polarizable particle, including molecules and nanoscale particles) in a suspending medium when the particle is subjected to a non-uniform electric field. Dielectrophoresis can be used to attract and separate various particles in aqueous media, depending on the dielectric response of the particle in the presence of the non-uniform electric field.
Implementation Method 2
the electrokinetic microelectrode array chip includes a folded or a sandwiched configuration of the array of microelectrodes on the first side of the support structure and the one or more detectors, sensors, emitters, or combination thereof on the second side of the support structure that forms a microfluidic channel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are miniaturized electronic systems, devices and methods for biomarker analysis, which can be incorporated into blood collection tubes and other containers that enable the immediate isolation, concentration, analysis and storage of disease related biomarkers upon blood draw. In some aspects, a miniaturized electronic system includes a high-surface area folded or sandwiched electrokinetic microelectrode array chip device that allows both AC dielectrophoretic (DEP) and DC electrophoretic based separation and isolation and other processes to be used for the concentration and biomarkers.