Hyper efficient separations device
Inventors
Hayes, Mark • Crowther, Claire • Jones, Paul
Assignees
National Institutes of Health NIH • Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix campus
Publication Number
US-11090660-B2
Publication Date
2021-08-17
Expiration Date
2037-08-10
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Abstract
The present technology relates to improved device and methods of use of insulator-based dielectrophoresis. This device provides a multi-length scale element that provides enhanced resolution and separation. The device provides improved particle streamlines, trapping efficiency, and induces laterally similar environments. Also provided are methods of using the device.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a hyper-resolution insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) device and methods for separating at least one analyte from a fluid. The device employs a microfluidic fluid flow channel with insulating flow structures extending from one channel wall toward the opposite wall, creating constrictions. The insulating flow structure comprises a base section and multiple projections extending from the base toward the opposite wall, generating spatially non-uniform electric fields that exert dielectrophoretic forces on suspended particles to achieve separation.
The problem addressed by the invention is the limitation in current iDEP devices due to insulator shapes such as triangles, diamonds, circles, and rectangles that create laterally inhomogeneous environments causing varying forces on particles depending on their lateral pathlines. This inconsistency results in low-resolution separations with partial trapping, inefficient streaming, and extraneous trapping zones. There is a need for an insulator design that induces laterally similar environments, improves particle streamlines, and increases trapping efficiency for enhanced resolution separations.
The core innovation is the introduction of a unique multi-length scale insulator structure comprising an elliptically shaped base with a plurality of elliptically shaped projections across part of the base. This design achieves high gradients of the electric field squared necessary for dielectrophoretic trapping and streaming, while simultaneously promoting homogeneity in the lateral dimension. The multi-length scale structure streamlines analytes toward the microchannel centerline, reduces or eliminates extraneous trapping zones, and provides enhanced resolution and separation of analytes compared to prior insulator geometries.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one main independent claim directed to a hyper-resolution insulator-based dielectrophoresis device and one independent claim directed to a method of separating analytes using the device. These claims collectively cover the device structure, its key geometric features, and its method of use for analyte separation.
Multi-length scale insulating flow structure
The device comprises a fluid flow channel having a first wall with an insulating flow structure extending toward a spaced second wall, defining a constriction. This insulating structure includes an elliptically shaped base section with a plurality of elliptically shaped projections extending from the base toward the second wall, forming a multi-length scale element critical for improved dielectrophoretic separation.
Spatially non-uniform electric field generation
The device includes electrodes electrically communicating with the channel fluid inlet and outlet that generate a spatially non-uniform electric field across the insulating flow structure. This field exerts dielectrophoretic forces on particles suspended in the fluid, enabling their manipulation and separation.
Projection dimensions and coverage
Each projection has a length from 50 nanometers to 100 micrometers between its junction points on the base section. The projections extend over a portion of the base section’s length from upstream to downstream junctions, covering one half or less (or more) of this distance, optimizing functional performance.
Inclusion of a second insulating flow structure on the opposite wall
The second wall of the fluid flow channel may include a second insulating flow structure similar or configured differently from the first, contributing to formation of the constriction and enhancing separation performance.
Method of separating analytes using the device
A method is claimed for separating a first analyte from at least one second analyte by providing the described device and transporting a fluid containing both analytes through the constriction of the fluid flow channel under applied electric fields, leveraging dielectrophoretic forces for separation.
The independent claims cover the hyper-resolution iDEP device characterized by the elliptical multi-length scale insulating flow structure with specified geometrical features, electrode configuration for generating non-uniform electric fields, and a method of separating analytes using this device. Together, these features provide improved particle streamlines, enhanced analyte separation with higher resolution, and reduction or elimination of extraneous trapping zones.
Stated Advantages
Provides improved particle streamlines resulting in more uniform trajectories of particles through the device.
Enhances analyte separation with increased resolution.
Reduces or eliminates extraneous trapping zones, minimizing inconsistent trapping effects.
Generates high gradients of the electric field squared (∇||2) necessary for effective dielectrophoretic trapping and separation.
Produces laterally similar environments across the fluid channel, improving consistency of particle manipulation and separation.
Offers a small, portable device not requiring immuno- or geno-recognition or cold-chain products, facilitating rapid and simple diagnostics.
Documented Applications
Separation of bioparticles including proteins, cells (human cells including blood and stem cells), bacteria, microorganisms, and viruses.
Isolation and concentration of stem cells based on progenitor stage or differentiation status.
Separation of bacterial strains or serotypes, including antibiotic-resistant versus susceptible bacteria for rapid infection diagnosis.
Separation of crystal structures in compositions used in crystallography, achieving narrow crystal size ranges.
Use in scientific research or diagnostic fields requiring label-free, high-resolution separations in microfluidic environments.
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