Abstract: The electroporation chamber and its related devices combine the features of an electroporation chamber that acts as a manifold for regulation of sample flow with those of a flow electroporation device to form a regulated flow electroporation device. The invention further comprises a novel regulated flow electroporation chamber that enables conditions in which a sample is uniformly processed in individual fractions or volumes in a fully closed (sterile) system.

Abstract: A microparticle measuring apparatus and microparticle measuring method which, in sample liquids having different electric conductivities, have a sensitivity and accuracy which are necessary and sufficient, without performing pretreatment of reducing the electric conductivity are provided. The microparticle measuring apparatus includes: a cell 1 into which a liquid containing microparticles is to be introduced; at least one pair of electrodes which are immersed in the cell 1; a migration power supply unit 4 which applies an AC voltage of a frequency at which a dielectrophoretic force on the microparticles is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, between the pair of electrodes; a measurement unit 5 which measures the microparticles in the cell; and a control calculation unit 6 which calculates a result of the measurement performed by the measurement unit, and which calculates the concentration of the microparticles in the liquid.

Abstract: Microorganisms (dielectric microparticles) in a liquid sample are captured using a dielectrophoretic force. After quantifying and analyzing, the microorganisms thus captured are concentrated and collected. In an apparatus for concentrating dielectric microparticles, a liquid sample, which contains the microorganisms to be examined, is supplied from a liquid sample-holding unit holding the liquid sample and passes through a voltage-applied cell. During the passage, the microorganisms are captured on dielectrophoretic electrodes by a dielectrophoretic force. Then, the captured microorganisms are released from the dielectrophoretic force by ceasing the voltage application. At the same time, a release liquid supplied from a release liquid-holding unit is flown through the dielectrophoretic electrodes so that the concentrated microorganisms are released and collected into a collection unit as the target bacteria.

Abstract: A micro fluidic chip (100) for handling fluidic droplets (101), the micro fluidic chip (100) comprising a plurality of electrodes (103) being arranged in a Back End of the Line portion (104) of the microfluidic chip (100), and a control unit (106) adapted for controlling electric potentials of the plurality of electrodes (103) to generate electric forces for moving the fluidic droplets (101) along a predefined trajectory.

Abstract: A method of purifying cooling water which requires the lowest maintenance and management cost without the need for a cumbersome cleaning operation for removing scale in an electrolytic purifying vessel by taking out the electrodes from the electrolytic purifying vessel, and an apparatus therefor are provided. In the method of purifying circulating cooling water by applying a DC voltage across opposing electrodes while flowing water to be treated therebetween, so that ions in the water are electrolytically precipitated on the surfaces of electrodes on the negative pole side, thereby purifying the water to be treated, the electrodes comprise titanium and have an oxide film preformed by heating having a thickness of 5 nm to 130 nm thereon, and electric current is flown between the electrodes in an amount large enough to apply a voltage capable of dielectrically breaking down the oxide film on the surfaces of electrodes on the positive pole side.

Abstract: A rapid and robust device and method for the capture and manipulation of single cells and beads in a microfluidic environment using positive dielectrophoresis (pDEP) is provided. The capture device uses a highly localized and non-uniform pDEP electric field gradient to allow for the simultaneous capture and manipulation of single cells and beads in standard cell growth media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microelectronic device, particularly a microelectronic biosensor, comprising an array of field electrodes (FE) for generating an alternating electrical field (E) in an adjacent sample chamber (SC). The field electrodes (FE) are coupled to associated local oscillators (OS), which are preferably tunable and connected in a matrix pattern to an external control unit (CU). The local oscillators (OS) allow high frequencies of the generated electrical fields (E), such that for example dielectrophoretic forces can be generated.

Abstract: A device for performing biological sample reactions comprising a plurality of flow cells each with at least one port for receiving reaction fluids delivered to a chamber of each flow cell and a manifold configured to receive the plurality of flow cells, wherein the manifold is configured to receive at least one reaction fluid, and wherein each flow cell is configured with a sample holder wherein the sample holder contains biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for use in rapid particle transportation, separation, focusing, characterization, and release. Dielectrophoresis and electro-osmotic driven fluid convection are used independently or in tandem as the driving forces for particle manipulation and on occasion characterization. Although dielectrophoresis has been acknowledged for decades as a powerful technique for particle manipulation and characterization, long processing times and measurement inaccuracies that emerge from using disjointed electrodes have limited its usefulness in diagnostic kits. The present invention provides for a continuous wire that enables fluid flow patterns and dielectrophoretic forces with optimal configurations for rapid and sensitive particle manipulation and characterization.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating blood and blood components having a blood processing vessel mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge. A sensor in the outflow race of a return peristaltic pump detects air bubbles in the fluid within a return loop. The sensor may be a sonic sensor, a sonic pulse echo sensor, or capacitive plates. A pre-determined minimum bubble size or sizes or a cumulative volume may be selected, and the device operator may be warned only of the existence of bubbles that exceed a certain size or of a cumulative volume of bubbles, or the blood donation procedure may be stopped if a bubble exceeds a certain critical size or if a pre-determined volume of bubbles over a certain period or volume of fluid is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric field cage (6) for spatially fixing particles (2, 3) which are suspended in a carrier liquid, in particular in a microfluidic system, including a plurality of cage electrodes (7, 8), which can be electrically driven, for generating a capture field. It is proposed that at least one of the cage electrodes (8) is annular and surrounds the other cage electrode (7). The invention also covers an associated operating method.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to systems and methods for separation of substances such as cells, nucleic acids, and carbon nanotubes. The substances are combined with a separation medium in a liquid sample cavity, for example a microchannel, and transit through the separation by optically activated dielectrophoretic forces. The substances are advantageously labeled and visualized using a microscope and camera.

Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either electric current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to electrokinetically inducing fluid flow to confine a selected material in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field. Other structures for inducing fluid flow in accordance with this invention include nanochannel bridging membranes and alternating current fluid pumping devices. Applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

Abstract: To provide an electrode for a dielectrophoretic apparatus in which a background detected by reflecting an excited light on an electrode present under the substance (molecule) is reduced and an S/N ratio is enhanced. Also, there is provided an dielectrophoretic apparatus, in an apparatus in which a liquid containing substances to be separated is present in a non-uniform electric field formed by a dielectrophoretic electrode, and separation is carried out by a dielectrophoretic force exerting on the substances, wherein the collecting ability of substances is enhanced. The present invention is characterized in that a vacant space is provided in an electrode whereby substances subjected to influence by a negative dielectrophoretic force can be concentrated in said vacant space of an electrode, or above or below portion of the space.

Abstract: The high throughput particle separation system includes an aqueous solution container for storing an aqueous solution containing specific particles to be separated, an electrode array, having a plurality of electrodes arranged at regular intervals or at various different intervals in series or in parallel, for deflecting specific particles simultaneously in a nonuniform electric field according to sizes and dielectric properties of the particles to separate a large quantity of the particles at high throughput, a path separation unit for establishing movement paths of the particles separated by the electrode array, and a control unit for applying the same voltage and frequency or different voltages and frequencies to the electrodes of the electrode array based on sizes and dielectric properties of specific particles to be separated.

Abstract: A dielectrophoretic columnar focusing device uses interdigitated microelectrodes to provide a spatially non-uniform electric field in a fluid that generates a dipole within particles in the fluid. The electric field causes the particles to either be attracted to or repelled from regions where the electric field gradient is large, depending on whether the particles are more or less polarizable than the fluid. The particles can thereby be forced into well defined stable paths along the interdigitated microelectrodes. The device can be used for flow cytometry, particle control, and other process applications, including cell counting or other types of particle counting, and for separations in material control.

Abstract: An electro-wetting apparatus includes a liquid having conductivity or polarity and a first electrode and a second electrode that apply voltage to the liquid. The electro-wetting apparatus also includes a dielectric layer provided between the liquid and the first electrode. The electro-wetting apparatus further includes a voltage-applying unit that applies a voltage signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, where the voltage signal is periodically changed between a first voltage of zero (0) volt or more and a second voltage of larger than the first voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a fluid mixture for electrowetting in a device that is suitable for this. According to the invention, the fluid mixture consists of at least two components, namely an electrically inducible liquid and an electrically inert fluid. These two components form a bi- or multiphasic mixture. The electrically inducible liquid responds to a change of an electric field that surrounds it or completely or partly permeates it, in such way that it changes its surface tension so that its form is changed too, particularly if only parts of its surface are permeated by the electric field, or if the field strength is distributed not homogenously. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrically inducible liquid consists of propylene carbonate.

Abstract: An optical tweezers lifting apparatus is provided. The optical tweezers lifting apparatus includes an optical tweezers and a particle-lifting device. The particle-lifting device includes a substrate and a plurality of electrodes that are disposed on the bottom of a flow path in the substrate. When a dielectrophoresis (DEP) solution with a plurality of floating particles is conducted into the flow path and upon those electrodes and a voltage is applied to these electrodes, these particles would be driven by a negative DEP force to move upward to a specific depth in the flow path. Meanwhile, the optical tweezers of the apparatus is selectively focused at the specific depth in the flow path.

Abstract: Described herein are single-sided lateral-field optoelectronic tweezers (LOET) devices which use photosensitive electrode arrays to create optically-induced dielectrophoretic forces in an electric field that is parallel to the plane of the device. In addition, phototransistor-based optoelectronic tweezers (PhOET) devices are described that allow for optoelectronic tweezers (OET) operation in high-conductivity physiological buffer and cell culture media.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a DNA strand using carbon nanotubes or nanowires. A specific single strand of template DNA serves as a probe for its complementary strand in a solution containing DNA segments to be tested. The single-stranded sequence-specific DNA probe segment, whose ends are modified with amine, is attached between two carbon nanotubes/nanowires. When complementary strands representing DNA segments under test are brought near the probe strands, a dielectrophoresis (DEP) field may enhance the probability of selective hybridization between the complimentary target DNA and probe DNA. A change in electrical conductance in the probe strand occurs upon hybridization of the complementary target DNA with the single probe strand. This conductance change may be measured using the two carbon nanotubes or nano-dimensional electrodes. By exploiting nano-dimensional electrodes and single strand probe DNA, the proposed system is capable of accurately detecting a single molecule of DNA.

Abstract: Dielectrophoresis is used to attract particles to an electrode edge then to controllably allow the transport of particles along that edge under a fluid flow to a particular region. The particles may be bacteria which may be maintained in this process in a live state through capture, transport and release.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for effecting the concentration of a polar analyte in an alternating electric field. In the method, a relative translation of the polar analyte and an alternating electric field along a translation path is effected. A portion of the polar analyte is then trapped and concentrated in a concentration zone formed by the intersection of the translation path and the alternating electric field. Also disclosed are various devices for carrying out the forgoing method.

Abstract: First entities consisting in cells or microorganisms (BIO) and second entities consisting in compounds or compound units, carried typically by microbeads (BEAD), are trapped selectively within closed movable potential cages (S1) by means of dielectrophoretic force generated by mutually opposed electrodes (M1, M2). The cages are set in relative motion so as to bring about the interaction of selected first and second entities, causing the cages containing them to fuse, whereupon results are obtained preferably by reinstating the original cages and/or observing previously empty adjacent cages. The procedure takes place in a device (DE) with two separate chambers (F, FL) connected one to the other by way of a narrow passage (D) and finished with respective selectively controllable inlets and outlets (I1, I2; O1, O2) through which a liquid or semi-liquid buffer (L) can be pumped in or out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfluidic processing by programmably manipulating a packet. A material is introduced onto a reaction surface and compartmentalized to form a packet. A position of the packet is sensed with a position sensor. A programmable manipulation force is applied to the packet at the position. The programmable manipulation force is adjustable according to packet position by a controller. The packet is programmably moved according to the programmable manipulation force along arbitrarily chosen paths.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing separation of cell particles by dielectrophoresis in three dimensions. In one embodiment the device comprises a flow chamber having microfabricated chip with a plurality of vertical and horizontal electrodes, which may be coated with a protective layer to prevent direct contact between any electrode and a sample. The horizontal electrodes are in electrical communication with a DC or an AC power source, while the vertical electrodes are in electrical communication with an AC power source.

Abstract: Provided is a method for screening a biological molecule rapidly and economically with high-throughput using microbeads encoded with silver nanoparticles and a chemical compound and dielectrophoresis. A biological screening method particularly utilizes microbeads encoded with silver nanoparticles and a specific chemical compound and dielectrophoresis. Since this screening method does not use a fluorescent material and a dying agent, which are typically used in the conventional screening method, it is non-toxic and economical. Also, this screening method allows simultaneous identification of many target materials. Accordingly, a leading compound can be screened within a short period of time, and thus, this screening method can be implemented as an economical and effective system for developing new pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: System for trapping and stretching biomolecules. A microfluidic device includes a symmetric channel forming a T-shaped junction at a narrow center region and three wider portions outside the center region. At least one power supply is provided to generate an electric potential across the T-shaped junction to create a local planar extensional field having a stagnation point in the junction whereby a biomolecule introduced into the microfluidic device is trapped at the stagnation point and stretched by the extensional field.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microfluidic devices for assaying at least one analyte specie in a sample comprising at least one analyte concentration area in a microchannel having insulating structures on or in at least one wall of the microchannel which provide a nonuniform electric field in the presence of an electric field provided by off-chip electrodes; and a pair of passivated sensing electrodes for impedance detection in a detection area. Also disclosed are assay methods and methods of making.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the turbidity of water, which apparatus comprises: (i) pressure reducer and flow controller means; (ii) calibration solution injection means (2); (iii) a variable dielectrophoresis drive particle filter (3), set to retain micro-organisms, and able to be turned on and off at a set frequency, periodically releasing any micro-organisms that have been retained; (iv) monitor means (4) which monitors the output of the filter (3) by optical particle detection; and (v) phase sensitive detection signal processing means for correlating an obtained turbidity signal with the state of the filter (3) and flow rate of the water through the apparatus.

Abstract: An optically-induced dielectrophoresis chip includes a substrate, a first electrode layer disposed on the substrate, an interface modification layer disposed on the first electrode layer, a photo-conductive layer disposed on the interface modification layer and including an optical absorbent polymeric material, a barrier layer disposed on the photo-conductive layer, a compartment forming layer disposed on the barrier layer and defining a compartment, and a second electrode layer covering the compartment forming layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for assaying and concentrating analytes in a fluid sample using dielectrophoresis. As disclosed, the methods and devices utilize substrates having a plurality of pores through which analytes can be selectively prevented from passing, or inhibited, on application of an appropriate electric field waveform. The pores of the substrate produce nonuniform electric field having local extrema located near the pores. These nonuniform fields drive dielectrophoresis, which produces the inhibition. Arrangements of electrodes and porous substrates support continuous, bulk, multi-dimensional, and staged selective concentration.

Abstract: A disposable microsensor is designed, fabricated and tested for standard BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) measurements. A transparent Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) substrate is used for sensor fabrication. Standard lithographic procedures in addition to techniques like screen printing and electroplating are used to fabricate the sensor. A microbial strain of Trichosporon Cutaneum is immobilized over one pair of sensor electrodes while the other is used as a reference. Depending on the respiratory activities of the microbial strain in different samples, the BOD values of the samples can be measured in terms of difference between the output signals. The sensor layer is attached to an injection-molded passive microfluidic channel on the top. Advantages of the BOD microsensor include, but are not limited to, fast BOD measurement, disposability because of its low cost, chemically inert polymer substrate, flow-through sample injection scheme and integration of on-chip optics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microelectronic device with an array (10) of field electrodes (11) that are individually addressable and can for example generate dielectrophoretic forces on particles (2) above the array (10). In a preferred embodiment, the field electrodes (1) can selectively be put to one of two phase-inverted potentials (+,?) or a floating potential (Z). Various space saving circuits are described that allow the operation of the field electrodes (11) with a minimal number of components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to achieve manipulation of particles and/or solutions through the induction of electromagnetic fields inside liquid contained inside vessels are disclosed. A “vessel” denotes specifically either a microtitter plate (microplate or well-plate, 1536, 3456 or any other format) well or hybridization solution placed on microarrays for hybridization experiment purposes or more generally any volume containing liquid solution. The manipulation is performed by bringing the active part of the device into contact with the fluidic solution, wherein electromagnetic fields and/or induced fluid flow are used to perform specific manipulations including transport, separation, concentration, mixing, reaction and electroporation. The invention can be used to enhance processing in a number of standard assays and protocols, including the Polymerase Chain Reaction, kinase-based assays, ELISA assays and electroporation.

Abstract: A distribution of AC electric field regularly arranged in a cell is formed while storing a sample having particles dispersed in a medium in the cell, whereby the particles are dielectrically migrated in the medium to generate a diffraction grating by density distribution of the particles. Diffracted light generated by irradiating the diffraction grating by density distribution with measuring light is detected, and evaluation of dielectrophoretic intensities of the particles and/or the medium is performed from the detection result. According to this method, evaluation of dielectrophoretic characteristics can be performed without adhering a phosphor to particles, and since even a particle small in size can achieve a detection level by collecting a number of such particles to form a diffraction grating, dielectric characteristics of microparticles of several nanometers in diameter can be thus quantitatively measured with high sensitivity.

Abstract: Microfluidic system comprising a space for containing a liquid and at least one lateral chamber in communication with said space, said lateral chamber containing a metal electrode. The lateral chamber and the space are designed to be filled by the same or different liquid when the system is active.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manipulation, detection, imaging, characterization, sorting and/or assembly of biological or other materials, involving an integration of CMOS or other semiconductor-based technology and microfluidics. In one implementation, various components relating to the generation of electric and/or magnetic fields are implemented on an IC chip that is fabricated using standard protocols. The generated electric and/or magnetic fields are used to manipulate and/or detect one or more dielectric and/or magnetic particles and distinguish different types of particles. A microfluidic system is fabricated either directly on top of the IC chip, or as a separate entity that is then appropriately bonded to the IC chip, to facilitate the introduction and removal of cells in a biocompatible environment, or other particles/objects of interest suspended in a fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfluidic processing by programmably manipulating a packet. A material is introduced onto a reaction surface and compartmentalized to form a packet. A position of the packet is sensed with a position sensor. A programmable manipulation force is applied to the packet at the position. The programmable manipulation force is adjustable according to packet position by a controller. The packet is programmably moved according to the programmable manipulation force along arbitrarily chosen paths.

Abstract: A device for manipulating an object present in a fluid by electrokinetics is disclosed. The device comprises a substrate forming a flow chamber. The device further comprises a plurality of electrically biasable electrode structures and at least one electrically floating electrode structure.

Abstract: A method for concentrating or partly separating particles of a selected species from a liquid or fluid containing these particles and flowing in a channel, and for determining if the selected species particle is present in the liquid or fluid. A time varying electrical field E, having a root-mean-square intensity E2rms with a non-zero gradient in a direction transverse to the liquid or fluid flow direction, is produced by a nanostructure electrode array, with a very high magnitude gradient near exposed electrode tips. A dielectrophoresis force causes the selected particles to accumulate near the electrode tips, if the medium and selected particles have substantially different dielectric constants. An insulating material surrounds most of each of the nanostructure electrodes, and a region of the insulating material surface is functionalized to promote attachment of the selected species particles to the surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an iso-dielectric separation apparatus for separating particles based upon their electrical properties, and methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a manipulation device and the manipulation method such that the manipulation of the particles, which has been extremely difficult by conventional manipulation devices, is possible, and that easy movement and rotation of the microparticle is possible. [Means for Solving Problems] A non-contact manipulation device with an electrode pair comprising a base, a suspension liquid layer disposed on the base and containing microparticles, at least a pair of electrodes having the distal ends inserted into the suspension liquid layer, and a power supply for supplying an AC voltage to the electrodes, wherein the at lease a pair of electrodes configured to move independently of each other, and wherein an electric field is generated parallel to the surface of the suspension liquid layer between the at least a pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A well, in particular an open well (14) with an upper end having a vertical axis (101), for containing a liquid and particles contained within said liquid, characterized by comprising at least two manipulation electrodes (1, 2, 3, 31, 32, 36, 17, 40, 41) able to be powered by electrical voltages, in particular alternating electrical voltages, so as to manoeuvre particles within the well by means of the dielectrophoretic effect. A platform comprising a plurality of wells as described above and a method for using said well.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detection of a bioparticle by single-bead based DEP. The method includes the steps of immobilizing a single DEP bead in one electric field; immobilizing a first bio-recognizing molecule on the single DEP bead; intromitting at least one target bioparticle into the electric field for binding the first bio-recognizing molecule, whereby the target bioparticle and the first bio-recognizing molecule are bound with each other to form a complex molecule; and detecting the complex molecule by a detection device. The apparatus is composed of a chip, a power source, a single DEP bead, and a detection device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for concentrating charged particles and an apparatus thereof. The method comprises: providing a substrate comprising a reservoir; disposing a conducting granule in the reservoir, the conducting granule being negatively charged or positively charged and comprising nano-pores or nano-channels capable of permitting ion permeation; disposing a buffer solution in the reservoir, the buffer solution comprising counter-ions having an opposite electric property to the conducting granule; adding the charged particles into the buffer solution, the charged particles being co-ions having an identical electric property as the conducting granule; and applying an external electric field on the conducting granule.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for the manipulation (e.g., concentration, purification, capture, trapping, location, transfer) of analytes, e.g., biomolecules, with respect to analyte-containing solutions, using one or more electric fields.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable electrode includes a first planar electrode and a planar array of pixels in a different plane, wherein a polarizable liquid medium (including electrolyte solutions) is to reside in the gap between electrodes. The pixels are individually addressable by a time-varying voltage, and adjacent pixels receive, at any instant in time, either the same voltage waveform or a different voltage waveform. Adjacent pixels receiving different voltage waveforms generate corresponding movement of dipolar entities, including dipolar particles, ions, or dipolar molecules in the polarizable liquid medium between the electrodes, which can in turn generate fluid flow and movement of particles suspended in the fluid along the planar array surface.

Abstract: A device for dielectrophoretic manipulation of suspended particulate matter comprises an analysis electrode and a separate cover electrode wherein the analysis electrode comprises an electrically conductive layer of material provided on a substrate support and apertures are defined through the electrically conductive layer. The device can be used for detection, analysis, fractionation, concentration or separation of particulate matter.