Design considerations for high-performance dielectrophoretic devices

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) uses electric field gradients to trap and manipulate the position of particles in solution. The DEP force does not require direct contact with the particle nor the use of any form of labelling mechanism, making it an attractive candidate for manipulation of cells for biological applications. Performing dielectrophoresis in high-conductivity solutions, such as physiological samples, presents significant challenges for the force magnitude, power delivery, and device integrity. We present a coherent set of circuit-level design principles for optimizing electrode geometry for enhanced performance in high-conductivity environments. Investigations of the influence of various design parameters on the DEP force are performed by monitoring changes in the equilibrium velocity, as DEP competes with the Stokes force during fluid flow.