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Dielectrophoretic separation of cells: Continuous separation
Author(s) -
Markx Gerard H.,
Pethig Ronald
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260450408
Subject(s) - dielectrophoresis , electric field , drag , microelectrode , electrode , electrohydrodynamics , voltage , materials science , chemistry , microfluidics , chromatography , mechanics , nanotechnology , electrical engineering , physics , engineering , quantum mechanics
Dielectrophoresis is the movement of particles in non‐uniform alternating and direct current (AC, DC) electric fields. When nonuniform electric fields are created between microelectrodes, cells will redistribute themselves around the electrodes, the force holding the cells in place dependig on the local electric field and on the electrical properties of the cells themselves and the suspending medium. Steric drag forces produced by a gentle fluid flow in the chamber can be used to separate cells by selectively lifting cells from potential energy wells produced by the electric field. The technique is demonstrated in the batch separation of bacteria, yeast cells, and plant cells. Continuous separation and extraction of two cell types can be achieved by repeated reversing of the fluid flow direction in phase with the switching on and off of the applied voltage, and the efficacy of the technique is demonstrated for viable and nonviable (heat‐treated) yeast cells. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.