Dielectrophoresis for Biomedical Sciences Applications: A Review

Abstract

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a label-free, accurate, fast, low-cost diagnostic technique that uses the principles of polarization and the motion of bioparticles in applied electric fields. This technique has been proven to be beneficial in various fields, including environmental research, polymer research, biosensors, microfluidics, medicine and diagnostics. Biomedical science research is one of the major research areas that could potentially benefit from DEP technology for diverse applications. Nevertheless, many medical science research investigations have yet to benefit from the possibilities offered by DEP. This paper critically reviews the fundamentals, recent progress, current challenges, future directions and potential applications of research investigations in the medical sciences utilizing DEP technique. This review will also act as a guide and reference for medical researchers and scientists to explore and utilize the DEP technique in their research fields.

Keywords: biomedical sciences; diagnostic; dielectrophoresis; point-of-care.

Figure 1

Schematic diagram of DEP vs. EP. (A) shows p-DEP and n-DEP effects where the dielectric particles move towards the high and low electric field gradient, respectively; (B) shows EP in which cations and anions move towards negative and positive electrode, respectively.

Figure 2

DEP spectrum (Re[K(ω)] vs. frequency) of a polarizable particle. (A) when σ_p < σ_m and ε_p > ε_m; (B) when σ_p > σ_m and ε_p < ε_m.

Figure 3

Plasma membrane with the ion/particle flow into and out of the cells. Certain ion/particles can simply pass through the plasma membrane by diffusion, while others need to pass through the protein channel or carrier protein.