Design of optimal electrode geometries for dielectrophoresis using fitness based on simplified particle trajectories.

Abstract

Dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces applied to microscopic particles are highly dependent on the gradient of the electric field experienced by the particles. These DEP forces can be used to selectively capture and remove cells from fluid flows within a micro-channel above the DEP electrodes. Modification of the geometry of the electrodes that generate the electric field is the main approach available to increase the electric field gradient over a wide area, and hence increase the applied dielectrophoretic force. Optimized DEP forces increase attraction or repulsion of target cells from the electrode surface, enhancing the efficacy of electrodes for cell sorting applications. In this paper, we present a design approach, using genetic optimization techniques, to develop novel electrode geometries that effectively capture target particles. The performance of candidate electrode designs is evaluated by calculating simplified particle trajectories.