Detection Device Using Pulsed Electric Fields for Rapid DNA Hybridization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic devices for biological molecule detection, such as DNA, face significant challenges due to slow hybridization rates caused by target DNA's random thermal motion, leading to detection times of 20-30 minutes or more.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of controllable electrodes that generate pulsed voltage waves in different directions within the detection chamber, increasing the mobility of charged target molecules and enhancing their interaction with probe molecules, thereby accelerating the hybridization process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If target DNA molecules are allowed to move by random thermal motion for hybridization, then the detection device structure remains simple, but the hybridization rate is very slow and detection time is long (20-30 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static detection environment into a dynamic one. Target DNA molecules are subjected to pulsed electric fields that periodically reverse direction, creating dynamic motion patterns that increase the frequency of collisions with probe molecules. This dynamic approach accelerates hybridization without requiring complex mechanical moving parts in the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the application of alternating electric fields with specific pulse frequencies. The periodic reversal of electric field direction causes target DNA molecules to oscillate and change direction repeatedly, increasing their interaction opportunities with probes anchored on electrodes. This periodic motion significantly enhances hybridization rate while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Ease of operation
If target DNA molecules move by random thermal motion only, then the device operation is simple, but the detection time is long (20-30 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical/diffusive motion system with an active electromagnetic field system. Instead of relying solely on random thermal motion (Brownian motion), electric fields are used to actively drive and direct target DNA molecules toward probe regions. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while dramatically reducing detection time by controlling molecular transport through field application.
3Loss of time
If pulsed voltage waves are applied to increase target DNA mobility, then the hybridization rate increases and detection time decreases, but the device complexity increases due to controllable electrodes and voltage control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing electrodes that serve multiple functions: they act as both the structural support for probe anchoring and as the actuating elements for generating electric fields. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving rapid hybridization through pulsed voltage application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying electric field parameters (voltage amplitude, pulse frequency, duty cycle) to optimize hybridization performance. By adjusting these parameters, the system can control the degree and pattern of target DNA motion, achieving rapid detection while managing device complexity through software or simple control circuitry rather than complex mechanical systems.
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 significantly reduces detection time to less than one minute by increasing the hybridization rate and mobility of target DNA, allowing for faster analysis of biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
controllable electrodes, configured for providing a pulsed voltage wave, which creates an electric field to move the charged target DNA
Implementation Method 2
providing a pulsed voltage wave, which creates an electric field to move the charged target DNA
Implementation Method 3
the pulsed voltage wave creates an electric field to move the charged target DNA, thereby increasing the mobility of the target DNA
Data Source
AI summary
A biological molecule detection device that includes a detection array, arranged on a body and having one or more probes for detecting corresponding electrically charged molecules, wherein a time varying electric field generating circuit is provided for generating at least one time varying electric field around the detection array within the detection region. The time varying electric field moves the electrical charged molecules repeatedly back and forth over the probes, thus providing increased opportunities for interaction and speeding the detection process.