Shape-selective remobilization of microparticles in a mesh-based DEP filter at high throughput

In numerous of studies, dielectrophoresis (DEP) has proven that its high selectivity and versatility make it a promising separation technique in a variety of fields. So far, however, only a few processes in the bioanalytics have made it to commercial use. One of the main challenges is to achieve a technically relevant throughput while maintaining a high selectivity. We present a novel approach of a mesh-based DEP filter with ordered field disturbing structures that has a high potential for upscaling because low-cost and commercially available materials are used. In this filter, we firstly trap a mixture of particles and then selectively remobilize them via a frequency shift, which allows for multidimensional separation. Shape-selective separation is demonstrated using ellipsoidal and spherical polystyrene particles, first in established microchannels and subsequently in the mesh-based filter. Hence, particles were trapped at flow rates up to 120 mLh(-1) and then selectively remobilized according to their shape. These results pave the way for high-throughput multitarget separations in a single and scalable device.

Automated summary

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a promising separation technique with high selectivity and versatility, but faces technical challenges in commercial applications. This study presents a novel mesh-based DEP filter method using low-cost and commercially available materials for upscaling and achieving high-throughput multitarget separation.