Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
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Label-free Isolation and Enrichment of Cells Through Contactless Dielectrophoresis
Published on: September 3, 2013
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All-in-One Method for Iterative Single-Cell Dielectrophoretic and Optical Characterization: Advancing the OpenDEP
Florela Gherghinoiu1,2, Tudor Savopol1,2, Ioan Tivig1,2,3
1Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Bucharest 050474, Romania.
ACS Omega
|October 6, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel integrated platform combining dielectrophoresis (DEP) and optical tweezers (OT) for single-cell biophysical characterization. The method allows label-free, high-resolution electric and optic profiling of individual living cells without external calibration.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Traditional dielectrophoresis (DEP) methods average cellular properties, masking individual cell variations.
- Optical tweezers (OT) assays often require cells to adhere to surfaces, excluding nonadherent cell types.
- Label-based and calibration-dependent methods limit the scope of biophysical cell characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated platform for single-cell biophysical characterization using dielectrophoresis (DEP) and optical tweezers (OT).
- To enable label-free extraction of electric properties and optical trap stiffness from individual, living cells.
- To overcome limitations of existing methods by analyzing nonadherent and complex cells without external calibration.
Main Methods:
- Combining dielectrophoresis (DEP) and optical tweezers (OT) in a single experimental setup.
- Utilizing an open-source software for automated data acquisition, image analysis, and force computation.
- Performing repeated measurements on the same cell for dynamic studies.
Main Results:
- Precise single-cell DEP spectra enabling computation of membrane conductivity, permittivity, and cytoplasmic conductivity.
- Direct optical trap stiffness measurements on nonadherent cells.
- Successful characterization of structurally and optically complex particles, including living cells.
Conclusions:
- The integrated DEP and OT platform provides a robust, label-free method for high-resolution single-cell electric and optic profiling.
- This approach expands the capabilities of DEP and OT for fundamental research, diagnostics, and bioengineering.
- The system's adaptability and open-source nature facilitate broad application in various experimental designs.
