Microfluidic Device Trapping Nucleated Cells via Dielectrophoresis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for isolating and analyzing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood samples are inefficient, often requiring multiple apparatuses, manual steps, and can damage cells, limiting the accuracy and viability of the analysis.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic device with electrified microcavities that use dielectrophoresis to trap and sort CTCs, allowing for automated, efficient, and non-contact manipulation of cells, enabling precise isolation and analysis while maintaining cell viability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple apparatuses and manual steps are used for isolating and analyzing CTCs, then the analysis can be performed, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of CTC isolation and analysisVSAvoidtime required for CTC isolation and analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (isolation, sorting, and analysis of CTCs) into a single integrated microfluidic device. The device integrates dielectrophoresis-based trapping, magnetic bead separation, and optical detection capabilities in one system, eliminating the need for multiple separate apparatuses and manual transfer steps between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (applying different voltages and electric fields) to dynamically control cell trapping and release. By adjusting the voltage applied to electrodes, the system can selectively trap or release CTCs based on their dielectric properties, enabling automated sorting without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional methods are used for CTC isolation, then cells can be separated, but the cells may be damaged limiting accuracy and viability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell viability and accuracy of analysisVSAvoidcell damage during isolation and sorting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical manipulation methods (such as physical filtering, centrifugation, or manual pipetting) with dielectrophoresis-based electrical field manipulation. This non-contact method uses electric fields to trap and sort cells based on their dielectric properties without physical contact, thereby avoiding mechanical stress and damage to the cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic beads as an intermediary that binds to CTCs. These magnetically labeled beads allow for indirect manipulation of cells through magnetic fields, enabling separation and sorting without direct mechanical contact with the cells themselves, thus preserving cell integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If manual steps are used for CTC analysis, then the process can be completed, but automation and precision are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation level of CTC isolation and analysisVSAvoidprecision of CTC sorting and isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates optical detection capabilities that provide real-time feedback on cell position and characteristics. The system can detect the presence and properties of trapped cells through optical means, allowing for automated verification and control of the sorting process, thereby improving both automation level and sorting precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of electric fields through programmable voltage application to electrodes. The system can dynamically adjust trapping parameters, selectively release specific cells, and reconfigure trapping patterns in real-time, enabling high-precision automated sorting based on cell properties and experimental requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 real-time monitoring of disease progression, precise isolation of CTCs from healthy cells, and subsequent molecular analysis, improving the accuracy and efficiency of CTC quantification and sorting with minimal cell damage.

Implementation Method 1

a current signal is provided to an interface to the at least one electrode to generate an electric field at or in a microcavity of the carrier substrate designed to trap the at least one nucleated cell as a target cell in the microcavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrophoresis: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20240189821A1Method and Device for Trapping at Least One Nucleated Cell Using at Least One Electrode for a Microfluidic Device

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A method for trapping at least one nucleated cell using at least one electrode for a microfluidic device is disclosed. The method includes (i) outputting an application signal that causes a sample liquid comprising the at least one nucleated cell to be applied to a carrier substrate of the microfluidic device, and (ii) providing a current signal to an interface with the at least one electrode in order to generate, at or in a microcavity of the carrier substrate, an electric field configured to trap the at least one nucleated cell as a target cell in the microcavity.