DEP-on-a-Chip: Dielectrophoresis Applied to Microfluidic Platforms

Dielectric particles in a non-uniform electric field are subject to a force caused by a phenomenon called dielectrophoresis (DEP). DEP is a commonly used technique in microfluidics for particle or cell separation. In comparison with other separation methods, DEP has the unique advantage of being lab...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Haoqing Zhang, Honglong Chang, Pavel Neuzil
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2019-06-01
Series:Micromachines
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/10/6/423
Description
Summary:Dielectric particles in a non-uniform electric field are subject to a force caused by a phenomenon called dielectrophoresis (DEP). DEP is a commonly used technique in microfluidics for particle or cell separation. In comparison with other separation methods, DEP has the unique advantage of being label-free, fast, and accurate. It has been widely applied in microfluidics for bio-molecular diagnostics and medical and polymer research. This review introduces the basic theory of DEP, its advantages compared with other separation methods, and its applications in recent years, in particular, focusing on the different electrode types integrated into microfluidic chips, fabrication techniques, and operation principles.
ISSN:2072-666X