Tri-Layer Electrode Chip for Single-Cell Bioparticle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioparticle chips lack the capability to both capture and programmably release cells at the single-cell level, with existing methods causing cell damage and viability issues due to prolonged electric field exposure and reliance on vapor bubbles for release.
Innovation Solution
A chip with tri-layer electrodes and micro-cavity arrays, where the upper and middle layers have common electrodes and the lower layer has a dispersive electrode array, utilizing an AC electric field to trap and release cells efficiently, with microcavities enhancing trapping and reducing cell damage by eliminating the need for continuous electric field application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrode structures are used for cell capture, then cell trapping is achieved, but cell release capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into three distinct layers: upper electrode layer, middle electrode layer, and lower electrode layer. Each layer can be independently controlled to achieve different functions - capture, holding, and release - thereby providing both capture and release capabilities without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of cell release by selectively activating the lower electrode layer with a different signal pattern than the upper and middle layers. This dynamic differentiation allows the same physical structure to perform multiple functions (capture and release) by changing operational parameters
2Reliability
If continuous electric field application is used for cell trapping, then cell capture is effective, but cell viability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed electric field application rather than continuous fields. The lower electrode layer can be activated in specific time windows to release cells, allowing the system to maintain cell viability by minimizing total exposure time while still achieving effective capture and release functions
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of prolonged electric field exposure is extracted and isolated to specific operational phases. By using the lower electrode layer for release only when needed, the patent separates the capture function (upper/middle layers) from the release function (lower layer), allowing cells to be held briefly without continuous exposure
3Ease of operation
If vapor bubbles are used for cell release, then cell release is achieved, but cell damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/vapor-based release mechanism with an electric field-based mechanism. Instead of using vapor bubbles to eject cells, the lower electrode layer generates a controlled electric field that selectively releases cells through dielectrophoresis, avoiding the harmful effects of vapor bubble formation while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using different signal patterns for different electrode layers. The lower electrode layer receives a differentiated signal that creates a localized electric field gradient, enabling gentle, controlled cell release without the harsh conditions required for vapor bubble generation
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
The chip achieves efficient cell trapping and release at both single-cell and population levels with increased cell viability by using dielectrophoresis, avoiding cell damage from prolonged electric fields and eliminating the need for voltage/frequency adjustments, thus enhancing the practicality for cell analysis and research.
Implementation Method 1
a chip that captures and releases cells/bioparticles into/from preset cavities by dielectrophoresis (DEP) force generated by electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A chip with tri-layer electrodes and micro-cavity arrays for control of bioparticles and a manufacturing method thereof are revealed. The chip captures and releases bioparticles into and from preset cavities by dielectrophoresis (DEP) force generated by electrodes. The chip includes an upper layer body, a middle layer body, a lower layer body, respectively disposed with an electrode, and micro flow chambers. The electrodes of the upper layer body and the middle layer body are common electrodes while the electrode of the lower layer body is a dispersive electrode array exposed on the bottom of lower-layer microcavity. The cell capture and release at the single-cell level and the cell population level are attained by application of an AC electric field.