Hollow-Electrode Well Plate for Rapid Biospecimen Supernatant Prep
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current metabolomics studies face challenges with large sample volume requirements, particularly in limited-resource settings, and existing microsample preparation techniques are time-consuming and not automatable, hindering efficient analysis of biospecimens like DBS samples.
Innovation Solution
An electric field is applied across a biospecimen and extraction solvent in a sample well using a system with a bottom and top electrode configuration, generating a supernatant for analysis, which can be automated and completed in a fraction of the time of traditional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional microsample preparation techniques are used, then sample analysis can be performed, but the preparation time is excessively long and the process cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical preparation steps with an electric field-based system. electrodes apply voltage to generate an electric field that drives analyte extraction and supernatant formation automatically, eliminating the need for manual mixing, centrifugation, and transfer operations that characterize traditional mechanical preparation methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the extraction solvent through application of an electric field. By controlling voltage parameters, the system transforms the solvent from a static extraction medium into an active medium that generates electroosmotic flow and electrophoretic migration, enabling rapid supernatant formation in minutes rather than hours
2Loss of time
If electric field application is used for supernatant generation, then preparation time is reduced to around 3 minutes, but the device complexity increases due to electrode configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it applies the electric field for analyte extraction, generates electroosmotic flow for supernatant formation, and enables automated liquid handling. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated system, making the added complexity worthwhile
Solution Approach 2:
The top electrode is configured as a hollow structure that contains the extraction solvent and biospecimen within its cavity. This nested design allows the electrode to both apply the electric field and serve as a containment vessel, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall device architecture
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 method significantly reduces preparation time to around 3 minutes, enabling efficient and automated analysis of microsamples, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and throughput for conditions like Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom electrode and the top electrode are configured to apply a voltage across the biospecimen and the volume of the extraction solvent to generate a supernatant wherein the analytes and molecules of interest will be present post-electricity application
Implementation Method 2
an electric field is applied across a biospecimen and extraction solvent in a sample well using a system with a bottom and top electrode configuration, generating a supernatant for analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Preparation of biospecimens for analysis is discussed. One example is a system that includes a sample well having an open top and configured to contain the biospecimen and a volume of an extraction solvent. The system also includes a bottom electrode. At least a portion of the bottom electrode is arranged in a bottom portion of the sample well opposite the open top. The system additionally includes a top electrode having an opening configured to allow material to pass through the top electrode into or out of the sample well. At least a portion of the top electrode is configured to be contained within a top portion of the sample well adjacent to the open top. The bottom electrode and the top electrode are configured to apply a voltage across the biospecimen and the volume of the extraction solvent to generate a supernatant.