Abstract: The invention integrates a two-stage dielectrophoretic (DEP) droplet dispensing and distribution system with particulate DEP to create a novel LOC platform capable of manipulating biological cells based on the varied dielectrophoretic signatures that distinguish cells in a population, for example, healthy from diseased cells. The two-stage DEP droplet transport system acts as the backbone of this application, providing the essential dispensing and distribution function, while particulate DEP provides the critical capability to characterize and analyze the heterogeneous biological cell populations routinely encountered in biotechnology and clinical settings.

Abstract: The design, development and fabrication of a DEP microfluidic assembly with an in-built interdigitated microelectrode array is presented. Continuous fractionation of microparticles in a PDMS microfluidic channel is described. Experimental verification of positive and negative DEP of yeast cells and polystyrene latex beads is demonstrated. A microfluidic device with DEP arranged electrodes in a channel has posts extending into the channel for controlling shaping of DEP fields.