Dual stimuli-responsive smart beads that allow on-off manipulation of cancer cells

Temperature-and electric field-responsive polymer-conjugated polystyrene beads, termed smart beads, are designed to isolate cancer cells. In smart beads, the reversible on-off antigen-antibody reaction and dielectrophoresis force on an electrode are accomplished to realize on-off remote manipulation of smart beads and cancer cells. Both the zeta-potential and the hydrodynamic diameter of the smart beads are sensitive to temperature, allowing on-off reversible capture and release of cancer cells. Cancer cell-captured smart beads are then localized on electrodes by applying an electrical signal.