Microfluidic Chip Electrical Interface for Long-Channel Electrophoresis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microchip electrophoresis interfaces are insufficient for applications requiring long separation channels, higher resolution, and higher throughput of sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with conductive eyelets and an electrical interface that includes a shared and independent power amplifier system, allowing for high voltage signals and electrokinetic separation, along with a selector to manage power distribution to multiple electrodes, arranged in a Society for Biomolecular Screening (SBS) plate format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional microchip electrophoresis interfaces are used, then the device structure is simple, but the separation channel length is limited and resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components including a microfluidic chip with integrated electrodes, a controller with power amplifiers, and selectable electrode configurations. This segmentation allows the separation channel length to be extended while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular assembly and independent optimization of each component.
2Productivity
If multiple electrodes are used to increase throughput, then sample analysis throughput increases, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with universal power management capabilities that can selectively apply power to multiple electrodes through a shared power amplifier system. The selector module enables multi-functionality by routing power signals to different electrode combinations, allowing increased throughput through parallel processing while managing power complexity through centralized control architecture.
3Measurement precision
If higher voltage signals are applied to improve resolution, then separation resolution increases, but risk of sample degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage signals applied to electrodes based on real-time separation progress and sample characteristics. The controller can vary voltage magnitude and timing, applying higher voltages when needed for resolution and reducing voltages to prevent sample degradation, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement precision and sample integrity throughout the electrophoresis process.
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
Enables longer separation channels, higher resolution, and increased throughput in microchip electrophoresis, supporting efficient sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A microfluidic chip with conductive eyelets and an electrical interface that includes a shared and independent power amplifier system, allowing for high voltage signals and electrokinetic separation
Implementation Method 2
A microfluidic chip with conductive eyelets and an electrical interface
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic system may include a microfluidic chip having a non-conductive substrate and wells connected in common to a microfluidic channel within the non-conductive substrate. Each well may have a galvanic contact with a first portion at an upper surface of the sample well and a second portion that extends into the non-conductive substrate. A plurality of electrodes may be provided as part of an electrical interface, with each electrode configured to contact a respective galvanic contact of the microfluidic chip. The electrical interface may also include at least one shared power amplifier that is configured to generate a power signal (e.g., constant current, constant voltage, pulsed power signal). A selector may be configured to receive the generated power signal from the shared power amplifier and configured to select at least one of the plurality of electrodes and output the received power signal thereto.