Analysis of Cell Dielectrophoretic Properties Using Isomotive Creek-Gap Electrode Device

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is utilized for cell separation using AC electric fields.
• Current DEP methods lack quantitative characterization of frequency-force relationships.
• Accurate dielectric property measurement is crucial for advancing cell separation technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for fast and accurate quantification of biological cell dielectric properties.
• To address limitations in current DEP techniques regarding frequency and force characterization.
• To evaluate a novel Creek-gap electrode device for DEP analysis.

Main Methods:

• Designed a Creek-gap electrode device for constant DEP forces and isomotive cell movement.
• Employed cell velocimetry and 3D electric field analysis to determine the Clausius-Mossotti factor (Re(β)).
• Utilized laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) thermometry with Rhodamine B to assess device thermal behavior.

Main Results:

• The Creek-gap electrode device successfully induced isomotive cell movement for DEP analysis.
• Estimated Re(β) values for human mammary cells (MCF10A) and cancer cells (MCF7, MDAMB231) showed good agreement with prior research.
• Device temperature rise was minimal (a few degrees Celsius), ensuring cell viability.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method provides a powerful tool for noninvasive measurement of DEP spectra.
• Accurate determination of cell dielectric properties is achievable with the Creek-gap electrode device.
• This advancement facilitates improved cell separation and characterization techniques.