Modeling a Dielectrophoretic Microfluidic Device with Vertical Interdigitated Transducer Electrodes for Separation of Microparticles Based on Size

Abstract

This article conceptualizes and mathematically models a dielectrophoretic microfluidic device with two sets of interdigitated transducer vertical electrodes for separation of a binary heterogeneous mixture of particles based on size; each set of electrodes is located on the sidewalls and independently controllable. To achieve separation in the proposed microfluidic device, the small microparticles are subjected to positive dielectrophoresis and the big microparticles do not experience dielectrophoresis. The mathematical model consists of equations describing the motion of each microparticle, fluid flow profile, and electric voltage and field profiles, and they are solved numerically. The equations of motion take into account the influence of phenomena, such as inertia, drag, dielectrophoresis, gravity, and buoyancy. The model is used for a parametric study to understand the influence of parameters on the performance of the microfluidic device. The parameters studied include applied electric voltages, electrode dimensions, volumetric flow rate, and number of electrodes. The separation efficiency of the big and small microparticles is found to be independent of and dependent on all parameters, respectively. On the other hand, the separation purity of the big and small microparticles is found to be dependent on and independent of all parameters, respectively. The mathematical model is useful in designing the proposed microfluidic device with the desired level of separation efficiency and separation purity.

Signal-Based Methods in Dielectrophoresis for Cell Separation

“…In this method, DEP forces can be generated along the width of the channel to deflect the particles transverse to the flow stream and parallel to the substrate. Besides, using the sidewall electrodes extending along the entire height of the channel, Figure 2.E, a gradient of the electric field can be generated uniformly in the direction of the channel height [60]. Another possible method for having a strong field in the whole channel is using 3D electrodes producing an electric field gradient in the height direction inside the channel.…”

Separation-enrichment method for airborne disease spores based on microfluidic chip

“…First, the simplest modeling is the single-shell model [29] , whose effective dielectric constant is ε * spore .…”

Editorial for the Special Issue on Particles Separation in Microfluidic Devices

“…Five papers [1-5] and a review article [6] present (1) passive microfluidic techniques using inertial focusing [1,6], deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) [2,3], and hydrodynamic methods [4,5]. The remaining papers [7][8][9][10][11][12] and a review article [13] cover (2) active microfluidic techniques using electric [7][8][9], acoustic [10], magnetic [11,12], and optical forces [13].() Passive microfluidic technique: Bogseth et al proposed a co-flow inertial microfluidic device that is tunable in multiple ways for adaptation to different application requirements [1]. They evaluated flow rate, flow rate ratio, and output resistance ratio to flexibly tune the cutoff size of the device and separation performance even after the devices are fabricated.…”

“…Five papers [1-5] and a review article [6] present (1) passive microfluidic techniques using inertial focusing [1,6], deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) [2,3], and hydrodynamic methods [4,5]. The remaining papers [7][8][9][10][11][12] and a review article [13] cover (2) active microfluidic techniques using electric [7][8][9], acoustic [10], magnetic [11,12], and optical forces [13].…”

“…They investigated the effect of operating/geometric parameters on the 3D-focusing efficiency of the device through the proposed mathematical model. Alnaimat et al conceptualized and mathematically modeled a dielectrophoretic microfluidic device with two sets of interdigitated transducer vertical electrodes for separation of a binary heterogeneous mixture of particles based on size [8]. The proposed model is used for a parametric study to investigate the effect of parameters on the performance of the microfluidic device.…”