An integrated dielectrophoretic chip for continuous bioparticle filtering, focusing, sorting, trapping, and detecting

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics
• Diagnostic Technology

Background:

• Pathogen detection in diverse medical samples necessitates effective removal of biological and non-biological contaminants.
• Existing microfluidic systems often face challenges in continuous sample processing and debris management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated AC dielectrophoretic (DEP) microfluidic platform for continuous filtering, sorting, and concentration of targets from heterogeneous medical samples.
• To enable on-chip detection of concentrated pathogens using Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS).

Main Methods:

• Utilized planar electrodes to create three-dimensional (3D) DEP gates for particle manipulation.
• Integrated AC dielectrophoresis for continuous sample processing at a throughput of 3 µL/min.
• Employed Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for on-chip bacterial detection.

Main Results:

• Successfully sorted and concentrated mixtures of latex particles, Escherichia coli Nissle, Lactobacillus, and Candida albicans.
• Demonstrated continuous filtering and sorting capabilities within the microfluidic platform.
• Achieved an estimated processing rate of 500 bacteria from a 100 µL sample in 30 minutes.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D DEP microfluidic platform offers an efficient solution for sample preparation in multi-target pathogen detection.
• The integrated system facilitates continuous processing and on-chip detection, paving the way for advanced diagnostic tools.
• This technology shows promise for rapid and accurate analysis of complex biological samples.