Trapping and Manipulation of Bioparticles by a 3-D Optimal Multiple-Designed Offset Carbon-Microelectrode Array in C-MEMS Fabrication

Abstract

A dielectrophoretic approach with latest developed three-dimensional (3-D) carbon micro-electro-mechanical system (C-MEMS) has been extended as a potential route with idyllic solution to recommend a low-cost, biocompatible and high throughput manipulation and positioning for bio-particles as compared to 2D-planar microelectrodes. Presented in this paper is a novel platform for modelling and simulation of C-MEMS microfabrication process for dielectrophoresis (DEP) force based on various 3-D offset-microelectrode configurations. Numerical solutions are employed to investigate the upshots of multi-designed microelectrodes, applied voltage, electrode edge-to-edge gap and geometric size of microelectrodes on the electric field intensity gradient, induced by an AC voltage for the deployment of broad categories of bioparticles creation, utilization and their manipulation (separation, concentration, transportation and focusing). Sharp edge electrodes are the principle focus of this paper for DEP manipulation that is more convenient to enhance the electric field intensity distribution. The results show that square column electrodes configuration comparatively create large gradient magnitude in electric field intensity as compared to all other configurations. It is also observed that electric field extends drastically with increases in microelectrode height. These findings are consistent with literature experimental reports and will provide vital strategy for optimal design of DEP devices with 3-D C-MEMS.