Dielectrophoresis for manipulation of micro/nano particles in microfluidic systems

Dielectrophoretic (DEP) force is exerted when a neutral particle is polarized in a non-uniform electric field, and depends on the dielectric properties of the particle and the suspending medium. The integration of DEP and microfluidic systems offers numerous applications for the separation, trapping, assembling, transportation, and characterization of micro/nano particles. This article reviews the applications of DEP forces in microfluidic systems. It presents the theory of dielectrophoresis, different configurations, and the applications of such systems for particle manipulation and device fabrication.

A microfluidic electroosmotic mixer and the effect of potential and frequency on its mixing efficiency

This paper presents the design and numerical simulation of a T-shape microfluidic electroosmotic micromixer. It is equipped with six microelectrodes that are embedded in the side surfaces of the microchannel. The electrode array consists of two sets of three 20 ¿m and 60 ¿m microelectrodes arranged in the form of two opposing triangles. Numerical analysis of electric potential and frequency effects on mixing efficiency of the micromixer is carried out by means of two sets of simulations. First, the electric potential is kept at 2 V while the frequency is varied within 10-50 Hz. The highest achieved mixing efficiency is 96% at 22 Hz. Next, the frequency is kept at 30 Hz whilst the electric potential is varied within 1-5 V. The best achieved mixing efficiency is 97% at 3 V.

Apoptosis goes on a chip : advances in the microfluidic analysis of programmed cell death

Recent years have brought enormous progress in cell-based lab-on-a-chip technologies, allowing dynamic studies of cell death with an unprecedented accuracy. As interest in the microfabricated technologies for cell-based bioassays is rapidly gaining momentum, we highlight the most promising technologies that provide a new outlook for the rapid assessment of programmed and accidental cell death and are applicable in drug discovery, high-content drug screening, and personalized clinical diagnostics.

Integrated microfluidic drug delivery devices : a component view

Research on drug delivery devices is progressing rapidly with the main objective being the delivery of precise quantity of drugs into the target area of the body. A drug delivery device (DDD) needs to accurately control the flow rate of drug delivery and protects the body from undesired additional doses. An integrated microfluidic drug delivery device (IMDDD) is a miniature device that can regulate and monitor the delivery of the right amount of drug using micro-scale components. IMDDDs offer several advantages including ease of use, electro-chemical controllability, low power consumption, simplicity, fast fabrication, and good bio-compatibility. Various IMDDDs have been developed for treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disorder, eye and brain diseases, stress, and diabetes. This paper presents a generic architecture for IMDDDs, discusses the existing drug delivery methods, summarizes the specifications of the components, and identifies a number of performance evaluation parameters. The operation of IMDDDs is presented through fourteen potential internal components. In addition, recommendations on how enhance the design and fabrication process of IMDDDs are given.