Non-uniform Electrical Field for Automated Cell Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The isolation of cells from tissue or solution samples is a labor-intensive and inefficient process, often requiring manual operation and expensive equipment, especially in fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) methods.
Innovation Solution
The use of a non-uniform electrical field, specifically a traveling wave dielectrophoresis (DEP) force generated by electrodes arranged in a concentric formation, to efficiently position cells at a target location within a well, allowing for automated cell isolation and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cell isolation methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cell isolation operations with an automated electrical field-based system. Electrodes generate dielectrophoresis forces to automatically position and isolate cells, substituting human manual manipulation with an electrical field-based automated system, thereby dramatically improving productivity while managing device complexity through standardized electrode configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical field parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) to control cell positioning and isolation. By varying these electrical parameters, the system can selectively manipulate cells based on their dielectric properties, enabling automated high-throughput isolation without requiring complex mechanical structures
2Productivity
If FACS methods are used, then cell sorting capability is improved, but cost and device complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential cell sorting function from complex FACS systems and implements it through a simplified electrode-based dielectrophoresis system. By isolating the core sorting mechanism (electrical field manipulation) from the complex fluidics, optics, and mechanical components of FACS, the system achieves cell sorting capability with reduced device complexity and lower cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive electrode structures (such as printed circuit board electrodes or conductive coatings) that can be easily fabricated and replaced if needed. These replace the expensive, complex FACS instrumentation, providing cost-effective cell sorting through disposable or easily replaceable electrode components
3Loss of time
If manual cell isolation is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but loss of time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of cells using dielectrophoresis forces before final isolation or analysis steps. By pre-positioning cells at specific locations in the well using electrical fields, the system reduces the time required for subsequent manual manipulation or analysis, achieving rapid isolation while maintaining operational simplicity through automated electrical control
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 method enables efficient, automated, and cost-effective cell isolation and positioning, facilitating subsequent analysis tasks such as imaging and robotic picking, while reducing manual intervention and equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
a non-uniform electrical field is used to position a single object, such as a cell at a target location within a well
Implementation Method 2
Electrodes are positioned on a bottom surface of the well to generate the electrical field
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes a well plate having at least one well, an array of electrodes positioned on a surface of a bottom floor of the well, and a controller to direct electrical voltage to the electrodes to generate a non-uniform electrical field. The electrical field is to direct an object in the electrical field to a target position in the well.