Particle Manipulation in Conductive Solutions via Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manipulating particles in conductive solutions, such as those used in biologic protocols, face limitations due to uncontrolled temperature increases caused by Joule effect, leading to cell lysis and death, especially when dealing with highly conductive liquids, restricting their application to non-living cells or beads.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing non-uniform electrical fields for particle manipulation, with controlled temperature management through heat removal via substrates, Peltier-effect devices, or convective transport, and amplitude modulation of voltages to minimize power dissipation and maintain biological viability, allowing for the manipulation of living cells in conductive solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical fields are used for particle manipulation in conductive solutions, then particle manipulation capability is improved, but temperature increases causing cell lysis and death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful Joule heating effect into a beneficial temperature control mechanism by actively monitoring temperature and applying compensating cooling measures, allowing the electrical fields to be used for particle manipulation while preventing cell damage through controlled thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by using alternating current (AC) fields instead of direct current (DC), and by modulating the frequency and amplitude of the applied voltages to minimize Joule heating while maintaining effective particle manipulation forces
2Force
If high voltages are applied for particle manipulation, then manipulation effectiveness is improved, but power dissipation increases causing uncontrolled temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic AC voltages to the electrodes rather than continuous DC voltages, allowing the electrical fields to be switched on and off in a controlled manner to provide sufficient manipulation force while minimizing continuous power dissipation and heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the voltage amplitude and frequency based on real-time temperature feedback and particle manipulation requirements, optimizing the balance between manipulation effectiveness and power dissipation throughout the experimental process
3Ease of operation
If circuits are integrated in substrate for electrode control, then individual particle control capability is improved, but temperature increase due to power dissipation in substrate worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the substrate into multiple independently controllable electrode regions, each with its own control circuit, allowing selective activation of only the necessary electrode elements for current manipulation tasks, thereby reducing overall power dissipation in the substrate while maintaining individual particle control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature sensors and feedback control circuits as intermediary elements between the power supply and electrodes, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of power delivery to minimize substrate heating while maintaining effective particle manipulation
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 approach effectively reduces power consumption while maintaining performance, enabling the manipulation of biological particles by controlling temperature and minimizing cell damage, thus expanding the applicability to living cells and highly conductive solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The fields of force can be of (positive or negative) dielectrophoresis
Implementation Method 2
electrophoresis
Implementation Method 3
electrohydrodynamics
Implementation Method 4
electrowetting on dielectric
Implementation Method 5
The force used for maintaining the particles in suspension or for moving them within the microchamber dissipates, by the Joule effect, a power that is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the voltages applied and increases linearly as the electric conductivity of the suspension liquid increases
Implementation Method 6
heat removal via substrates, Peltier-effect devices
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for manipulation of particles in a conductive solution by means of a field of force constituting points of stable equilibrium for said particles, said field of force being generated by means of an array of electrodes (EL), wherein two different classes of electrodes may be distinguished: 1. electrodes for control of the static position of particles that belong to a first class and are stimulated by means of a first set of signals for providing static cages, the position of which remains unvaried; 2. electrodes for displacement of particles that belong to a second class and are stimulated by means of a second set of signals for providing dynamic cages, the position of which is modified.