Dielectrophoretic separation of cells: Continuous separation

TLDR

Dielectrophoresis moves particles in non‑uniform AC/DC electric fields, causing cells to redistribute around microelectrodes based on local field strength and their electrical properties. Cells are separated by gentle fluid flow that lifts them from electric‑field potential wells, and continuous extraction is achieved by repeatedly reversing flow in sync with voltage switching. The method successfully batch‑separates bacteria, yeast, and plant cells, and continuous separation of two cell types, including viable and heat‑treated yeast, is achieved by flow reversal synchronized with voltage switching. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract 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.