Dielectrophoretic dual-frequency electrode array for the manipulation of sub-micron sized particles

An array of microelectrodes was supplied with a dual-frequency electrical signal to create a non-uniform electric field that was used for a dielectrophoretic particle transport system. Dielectrophoretic force was used to convey sub-micron sized particles along the tips of electrodes. The particles were manipulated along an arrangement of fabricated microelectrodes with an enclosed micro-fluidic channel. An increase in the concentration, per volume of the carrier fluid, of the sub-micron sized particles transported was observed. Using microelectrode arrays it is possible to use low voltage signals to create electric field magnitudes suitable for sub-micron sized particle manipulation. Use was made of high frequency signals to greatly diminish the effects of electro-hydrodynamic pumping action within the suspension fluid. Computer software was utilized for finite element analysis of the electric field magnitudes within electrode arrays.