Three-Electrode Electroporation Device for Brain Transfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation devices with a two-electrode configuration have a low success rate in areas of the brain that can be easily analyzed for images, such as the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, limiting the efficacy and range of action.
Innovation Solution
An electroporation device with three electrodes, where two are carried by a forceps-type member that can move towards or away from each other, and the third electrode is movable independently, allowing for varying the spatial configuration of the electrical field by adjusting the relative position and polarities of the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-electrode configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the electroporation success rate is low in easily analyzable brain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The single two-electrode configuration is segmented into multiple electrode pairs (first pair and second pair) with different orientations. Each pair can be independently positioned to target specific brain regions, thereby increasing the success rate of electroporation in easily analyzable areas like the cerebral cortex and hippocampus while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single linear electrode arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration with electrode pairs oriented in different spatial directions. The first pair is oriented along a first direction and the second pair along a second direction, enabling coverage of multiple brain regions from different angles and improving electroporation efficacy in imaging-accessible areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode distance is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the range of action is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pairs are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Each electrode pair can be independently moved towards or away from each other, allowing the distance between electrodes to be varied according to the specific brain region and depth being targeted. This dynamic positioning capability extends the range of action while using straightforward mechanical mechanisms that do not overly complicate the device.
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 configuration enhances the range and efficacy of electroporation, enabling more efficient and reliable transfection of cells in different brain regions, including those accessible via imaging techniques, while being cost-effective and easy to produce by modifying existing two-electrode devices.
Implementation Method 1
Electroporation is a method used in molecular biology for introducing into cells, by the external application of an electrical field, molecules such as DNA molecules or chemotherapy drugs which would otherwise be unable to pass through the cell membrane. The application of an electrical field to the cell by transmitting electrical pulses serves to create pores in the cell membrane which allow the passage of the material to be introduced into the cell.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The device (10) comprises a forceps-type member (20) carrying first and second electrodes (12, 14) and a grip member (34) carrying a third electrode (16). The third electrode (16) is movable independently of the first two (12, 14) in order to vary the spatial configuration of the electrical field generated by the device and thus enable the range of action and efficacy of the device to be increased.