Detection Device Having Increased Detection Rate, and Method for Quick Detection of Biological Molecules

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A microfluidic detection device, comprising a body having a detection region, said detection region comprising a plurality of probes to detect a plurality of electrically charged molecules, and a time varying non-uniform electric field generating circuit generating a plurality of time varying voltage waves in sequential variable, non-parallel directions to dynamically move the plurality of electrically charged molecules within said detection region, so that the electrically charged molecules are prevented from reaching a substantially steady configuration within said detection region. 
     
     
         22 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 21 , wherein said time varying non-uniform electric field generating circuit comprises a plurality of first electrodes, separate from said probes, and a first driving circuit, coupled to said first electrodes for simultaneously providing respective bias voltages to separate groups of said first electrodes. 
     
     
         23 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 22 , wherein said first electrodes are coupled to said first driving circuit over respective separate first connection lines. 
     
     
         24 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 23 , wherein said first driving circuit comprises a voltage generating circuit, simultaneously providing said bias voltages, and an addressing stage, coupled to said voltage generating circuit and to said first electrodes, to address said groups of said first electrodes and supply said bias voltages to said addressed groups of said first electrodes. 
     
     
         25 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 24 , wherein said first electrodes are interleaved with said probes. 
     
     
         26 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 25 , wherein said body is a semiconductor body and said first electrodes comprise respective conducting regions diffused within said semiconductor body. 
     
     
         27 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 25 , wherein said body comprises a dielectric layer and said first electrodes are metal electrodes embedded in said dielectric layer. 
     
     
         28 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 25 , wherein said time varying non-uniform electric field is a periodic electric field. 
     
     
         29 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 25 , wherein said probes comprise respective probe electrodes, separate from said first electrodes, and respective nucleic acid strands grafted to respective said probe electrodes. 
     
     
         30 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 29 , wherein said probe electrodes are formed on a plate, said plate being connected to said body so as to close said detection region. 
     
     
         31 . The microfluidic detection device of  claim 25 , wherein said voltage generating circuit is configured to simultaneously provide at least three bias voltages and said addressing stage is configured to simultaneously select at least three separate groups of said first electrodes. 
     
     
         32 . A microfluidic device, comprising a semiconductor body having a detection chamber,
 said detection chamber having a probe to detect electrically charged molecules, and   a time varying electric field generating circuit having a plurality of electrodes, separate from and surrounding said probe, and a driving circuit coupled to said plurality of electrodes, to provide respective bias voltages to said electrodes generating a plurality of time varying non-uniform voltage waves in sequential variable, non-parallel directions to dynamically move said electrically charged molecules within said detection region, so that the electrically charged molecules are prevented from reaching a substantially steady configuration within said detection region.