Integrated Electrodes in Fluidic Cards for DNA Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 labor-intensive manual processes and exposure to UV light, which can damage 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 risks increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrodes with the fluidic card by integrating conductive traces directly into the card structure. The electrodes are formed as conductive patterns on the card substrate, eliminating the need for separate external electrodes and reducing contamination risks while simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements disposable fluidic cards with integrated electrodes, allowing each card to be used once and then discarded. This eliminates cross-contamination between samples by ensuring that electrodes are never reused, while the low cost of the disposable card makes this approach economically viable.
2Measurement precision
If manual extraction processes with UV light are used, then DNA fragments can be visualized and extracted, but DNA damage occurs and labor time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual extraction process with an automated electrokinetic injection system. Conductive probes make direct electrical contact with separated DNA bands, and high-voltage pulses automatically inject DNA into collection wells, eliminating the need for UV visualization and manual cutting while reducing DNA damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically injecting separated DNA components into collection wells through electrokinetic injection. The system uses the separated DNA bands themselves as conductors to deliver the injection current, eliminating the need for external UV light sources and manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If external electrodes are used, then electrical contact is achieved, but device portability and integration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrodes, fluidic channels, and sample processing functions into a single integrated fluidic card. The conductive traces are printed directly on the card substrate, creating a unified structure that simplifies operation while maintaining all necessary electrical contact functions.
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 enhances the efficiency of component isolation and extraction within the device, reducing contamination risks and DNA damage, while allowing for direct electrical contact and Joule heating management, facilitating further analysis and processing of separated components.
Implementation Method 1
fluidic devices configured to absorb joule heating within the device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides fluidic devices having incorporated electrodes. One device comprises a card and 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. The card is attached to the second surface of the second caddy segment such that the card provides a closed surface for the device.