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High‐throughput dielectrophoretic manipulation of bioparticles within fluids through biocompatible three‐dimensional microelectrode array
Author(s) -
Ma Wei,
Shi Tielin,
Tang Zirong,
Liu Shiyuan,
Malik Rizwan,
Zhang Lei
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
electrophoresis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.666
H-Index - 158
eISSN - 1522-2683
pISSN - 0173-0835
DOI - 10.1002/elps.201000390
Subject(s) - dielectrophoresis , microelectrode , electrode , multielectrode array , materials science , microelectromechanical systems , enhanced data rates for gsm evolution , electric field , electrode array , fabrication , microfluidics , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , chemistry , computer science , physics , medicine , telecommunications , alternative medicine , quantum mechanics , pathology
Abstract Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been deemed as a potential and ideal solution for bioparticle manipulation. A 3‐D carbon micro‐electro‐mechanical system (MEMS) fabricated from the latest developed carbon‐MEMS approach has advantages of offering low‐cost, biocompatible and high‐throughput DEP manipulation for bioparticles. In this paper, a typical process for fabrication of various 3‐D microelectrode configurations was demonstrated; accurate numerical analysis was presented on electric field gradient distribution and DEP force based on various microelectrode array configurations. The effects of electrode edge angle, electrode edge‐to‐edge spacing and electrode height on the electric field distributions were investigated, and optimal design considerations and rules were concluded through analysis of results. The outcomes demonstrate that the sharp edge electrode is more effective in DEP manipulation and both electrode edge‐to‐edge spacing and electrode height are critical design parameters for seeking optimal DEP manipulation. The gradient magnitude increases exponentially as the electrode spacing is reduced and the electric field extends significantly as the electrode height increases, both of which contribute to a higher throughput for DEP manipulation. These findings are consistent with experimental observations in the literature and will provide critical guidelines for optimal design of DEP devices with 3‐D carbon‐MEMS.