Electrode-based AC electrokinetics of proteins: A mini-review

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Electric phenomena are vital for manipulating bioparticles, from cells to molecules, in biotechnology and analytics.
• AC electrokinetic effects, such as dielectrophoresis and AC electroosmosis, are key for concentrating, separating, and immobilizing biomolecules like DNA and proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and classify studies on AC electrokinetics of proteins based on electrode geometries.
• To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various electrode configurations for bioanalytical applications.

Main Methods:

• Classification of AC electrokinetic studies based on electrode geometries: individual electrode pairs, interdigitated electrodes, quadrupole electrodes, and 3D electrode arrays.
• Analysis of how micro- and nanofabrication advances enable novel bioanalytical applications.

Main Results:

• Different electrode geometries offer distinct benefits for analyte concentration, signal enhancement, and controlled immobilization.
• Photolithographical micro- and nanofabrication methods are crucial for developing advanced AC electrokinetic applications.

Conclusions:

• AC electrokinetics, particularly with advanced electrode designs, significantly enhances bioanalytical capabilities.
• Understanding electrode geometry is essential for optimizing AC electrokinetic applications in protein analysis and manipulation.