Electrodeless dielectrophoresis for bioanalysis: Theory, devices and applications

Abstract

Dielectrophoresis is a non-destructive, label-free method to manipulate and separate (bio-) particles and macromolecules. The mechanism is based on the movement of polarizable objects in an inhomogeneous electric field. Here, microfluidic devices are reviewed that generate those inhomogeneous electric fields with insulating posts or constrictions, an approach called electrodeless or insulator-based dielectrophoresis. Possible advantages compared to electrode-based designs are a less complex, monolithic fabrication process with low-cost polymeric substrates and no metal surface deterioration within the area of sample analysis. The electrodeless design has led to novel devices, implementing the functionality directly into the channel geometry and covering many areas of bioanalysis, like manipulation and separation of particles, cells, DNA, and proteins.

Biomarker-free dielectrophoretic sorting of differentiating myoblast multipotent progenitor cells and their membrane analysis by Raman spectroscopy

“…DEP, as recently reviewed [9][10][11][12] is a biomarker-free technique that utilises the induced dynamic response of a cell to imposition of a non-uniform radio-frequency electric field. For a particular field frequency, the DEP response of a cell depends on whether its intrinsic dielectric polarisability is less or greater than that of its surrounding suspending medium.…”

A new approach to design an efficient micropost array for enhanced direct-current insulator-based dielectrophoretic trapping

“…For instance, iDEP devices can provide a higher throughput since the technique is not limited to thin channels that confine the fluid on the electrode surface [9] and, moreover, most iDEP devices are able to produce an electroosmotic flow (EOF) eliminating the need of an external driving force [10][11].…”

Dielectrophoretic manipulation and separation of particles in an S-shaped microchannel with hurdles

“…These problems are avoided in insulator-based DEP microdevices, where direct current (DC) or DC-biased AC electric fields are applied via external electrodes submerged in inlet and outlet reservoirs, and electric field gradients are induced around insulating objects. In such devices, two main approaches have been used to generate required nonuniform electric fields [10][11]: obstacles and microchannel curvature. However, microdevices with electrically insulated obstacles (i.e.…”