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Separating Beads and Cells in Multi-channel Microfluidic Devices Using Dielectrophoresis and Laminar Flow
Published on: February 4, 2011
Liquid dielectrophoresis and surface microfluidics
Karan V I S Kaler1, Ravi Prakash, Dipankar Chugh
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N-1N4.
Biomicrofluidics
|August 11, 2010
Summary
Liquid dielectrophoresis (L-DEP) enables rapid, automated manipulation of small aqueous samples on hydrophobic surfaces for microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications. This technology is valuable for on-chip bioassays and multiplexed diagnostic screening.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Biotechnology
- Surface Science
Background:
- Liquid dielectrophoresis (L-DEP) offers precise manipulation of polar aqueous samples at microscopic scales.
- Hydrophobic surfaces facilitate L-DEP for microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device development.
- Surface microfluidic (SMF) devices leverage L-DEP for advanced sample handling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements and applications of L-DEP in handling biological aqueous samples.
- To highlight the utility of L-DEP-based SMF devices for on-chip bioassays, including nucleic acid analysis.
- To explore the potential of L-DEP for automated multiplexed assays in diagnostics and screening.
Main Methods:
- Deployment of L-DEP at microscopic scales on hydrophobic surfaces.
- Utilization of microchip-based surface microfluidic (SMF) devices.
- Integration of on-chip or off-chip detection capabilities.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated effective handling and processing of diverse aqueous samples and reagents, including emulsions.
- Showcased the utility of L-DEP-based SMF devices for on-chip bioassays and nucleic acid analysis.
- Highlighted parallel sample processing capabilities for automated assays.
Conclusions:
- L-DEP on hydrophobic surfaces provides a powerful platform for microfluidic applications and LOC devices.
- L-DEP-based SMF devices are suitable for sensitive on-chip bioassays and nucleic acid analysis.
- The parallel processing capability of L-DEP-based SMF devices supports high-throughput automated multiplexed diagnostic and screening assays.
