Microparticle Manipulation Employing Low Frequency AC Electric Fields with Insulator-Based Dielectrophoresis

摘要

Low frequency insulator-based dielectrophoresis is a novel technique that allows for highly controlled manipulationof particles. By varying the shape of an AC signal applied across a microchannel containing an array of insulating cylindricalstructures it was possible to concentrate and immobilize microparticles in bands; and then, move the bands of particles to adifferent location. Mathematical modeling was performed to analyze the distribution of the electric field and electric fieldgradient as a function of the shape of the AC applied potential, employing frequencies in the 1 Hz range. Experimental resultsdemonstrated that this novel dielectrophoretic mode allowed highly modulated dielectrophoretic manipulation.