Dielectrophoresis

Definition

Dielectrophoresis is the movement of neutral particles in a non-uniform electric field due to polarization effects. This phenomenon allows for the manipulation of biological cells and particles, making it particularly useful in lab-on-a-chip platforms for diagnostics where precise control over the movement of samples is required. By applying electric fields, dielectrophoresis can selectively trap, sort, or separate particles based on their size, shape, and dielectric properties, facilitating various point-of-care applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dielectrophoresis can manipulate cells without the need for labeling or chemical modifications, preserving their natural state.
2. This technique enables high-throughput sorting and analysis of cells or biomolecules, crucial for rapid diagnostics.
3. Dielectrophoresis can be integrated with microfluidic systems to enhance the functionality of lab-on-a-chip devices.
4. Different types of particles can experience varying dielectrophoretic forces based on their dielectric properties, enabling selective targeting.
5. It has applications in areas such as cancer diagnostics, where it can be used to isolate circulating tumor cells from blood samples.

Review Questions

• How does dielectrophoresis differ from traditional electrophoresis in terms of particle manipulation?
  • Dielectrophoresis differs from traditional electrophoresis as it can manipulate neutral particles without requiring them to have a net charge. While electrophoresis relies on charged particles moving toward electrodes under an electric field, dielectrophoresis utilizes non-uniform fields that induce polarization in neutral particles, leading to movement based on their dielectric properties. This unique capability allows for more versatile applications in lab-on-a-chip technologies.
• Discuss how dielectrophoresis can enhance the functionality of microfluidic systems in point-of-care diagnostics.
  • Dielectrophoresis enhances microfluidic systems by enabling precise control over particle movement and separation within small fluid channels. This capability is crucial in point-of-care diagnostics as it allows for rapid isolation and analysis of specific cells or biomolecules directly from samples. By integrating dielectrophoresis with microfluidics, these systems can achieve higher throughput and efficiency in diagnostic processes, ultimately leading to quicker results and better patient care.
• Evaluate the implications of using dielectrophoresis for isolating circulating tumor cells in cancer diagnostics and how this impacts patient outcomes.
  • The use of dielectrophoresis for isolating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) presents significant implications for cancer diagnostics. This method allows for non-invasive sampling from blood, providing critical insights into tumor dynamics and metastasis. By effectively isolating CTCs, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans based on the specific characteristics of the tumor, leading to more personalized therapies. Consequently, this technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier detection of cancer and monitoring treatment efficacy.

Related terms

Electrophoresis: A technique used to separate charged particles in a fluid by applying an electric field, based on their size and charge.

Microfluidics: The science of manipulating and controlling fluids at the microscale, crucial for developing lab-on-a-chip devices.

Impedance Spectroscopy: A technique that measures the response of particles to an applied electric field, often used to analyze cell properties.