Separation Chip with Segmented Electrodes for Dielectric Particle Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation chips face challenges in maintaining a high capture rate of dielectric particles due to variations in cell characteristics such as size and dielectric constant, leading to incomplete capture and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The separation chip design includes electrode portions with varying cross-sectional shapes, dimensions, and materials along the flow direction, along with insulation layers, to create differential electric field gradients, ensuring effective capture of dielectric particles by adjusting the electric field intensity across the chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single type of comb-shaped electrode is used for cell separation, then the device structure is simple, but the capture rate decreases due to variations in cell characteristics such as size and dielectric constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different electrode portions (first, second, and third electrode portions) with different widths along the flow direction. Each electrode portion has a specific width designed to capture different types of cells based on their characteristics. The first electrode portion has a larger width for capturing larger cells, while subsequent portions have progressively smaller widths for capturing smaller cells, thereby improving the overall capture rate across different cell sizes without requiring a completely complex device structure.
2Reliability
If the AC voltage and frequency are adjusted to capture specific cell types, then the capture of desired cells is improved, but other cells with different characteristics cannot be captured effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrode structure into multiple electrode portions (first, second, and third electrode portions) with different widths arranged along the flow direction. Each electrode portion acts as an independent capture zone for different cell types. This segmentation allows the system to capture multiple types of cells simultaneously with different characteristics without requiring multiple separate devices or complex voltage adjustments, thereby improving both capture rate and adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform electrodes are used across the channel, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electric field gradient cannot be optimized for different particle characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designing electrode portions with different widths at different locations along the flow direction. The first electrode portion has a larger width to generate a stronger electric field gradient for capturing larger or more dielectric particles, while subsequent portions have smaller widths for finer capture. This local variation in electrode dimensions allows optimization of the electric field gradient for different particle characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process, as the electrodes can still be fabricated using standard photolithography and etching techniques with adjusted patterning parameters.
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 design enhances the capture rate of dielectric particles by accommodating variations in particle characteristics, preventing incomplete capture and potential damage, while maintaining efficient separation and collection.
Implementation Method 1
a separation chip that separates specific cells from blood is known... a chip including a dielectrophoresis (DEP) unit that realizes separation and recovery of cells and the like by dielectrophoresis... By applying an AC voltage between the pair of electrodes, dielectrophoresis is caused
Implementation Method 2
The at least one insulation layer and the other insulation layer may be different from each other in a width of the opening portion... to create differential electric field gradients, ensuring effective capture of dielectric particles by adjusting the electric field intensity across the chip
Data Source
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AI summary
A separation chip (100) includes a substrate (101) and a plurality of electrode portions (12). The plurality of electrode portions (12) are disposed on one-side surface (1011) of the substrate (101), and each of the electrode portions (12) has at least an electrode (1201), and extends in the first direction (X). The plurality of electrode portions (12) are disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y) intersecting the first direction (X). A channel (110) through which a liquid containing dielectric particles (P1) is to flow in a flow direction (D) intersecting the first direction (X) is provided on one side of the plurality of electrode portions (12). VE2 between at least one pair of the electrodes (1201) adjacent to each other is different from ∇E2 between another pair of the electrodes (1201) adjacent to each other. VE indicates a gradient of an electric field intensity.