Electrodeless dielectrophoresis for bioanalysis: Theory, devices and applications

Dielectrophoresis is a non-destructive, label-free method to manipulate and separate (bio-) particles and macromolecules. The mechanism is based on the movement of polarizable objects in an inhomogeneous electric field. Here, microfluidic devices are reviewed that generate those inhomogeneous electric fields with insulating posts or constrictions, an approach called electrodeless or insulator-based dielectrophoresis. Possible advantages compared to electrode-based designs are a less complex, monolithic fabrication process with low-cost polymeric substrates and no metal surface deterioration within the area of sample analysis. The electrodeless design has led to novel devices, implementing the functionality directly into the channel geometry and covering many areas of bioanalysis, like manipulation and separation of particles, cells, DNA, and proteins.