Producing Arbitrary Arrays of Particles Using Dielectrophoresis

Technology This technology utilizes dielectrophroesis (DEP) to simultaneously position large number of small (<1mm) particles in arbitrary planar coordinates with single cell precision. One cell is trapped with the electrode dimensions are smaller than the particle diameter. Electrodes larger than 1 particle diameter can trap multiple particles. Patterning of the cells is independent of chemistry or topology of the surface on which the array is formed. Various techniques can be combined in conjunction with DEP patterning to further restrict the particle location or locomotion. (Please see patent for more details) Background Several passive methods such as chemical and topological patterning are available to create an array of particles or cells on a surface. These methods control the regions in which cells adhere, resulting in a random distribution of cells on the surface. However, they cannot accurately position individual cells or pattern multiple types of cells at specific regions of the substrate. In contrast this invention uses forces generated by dielectrophroesis (DEP) to move individual cells to precise locations. There are a number of applications for using DEP to position large numbers cells, however no tool exists that can position a large numbers of small particles into an arbitrary array with the ability to position the particles individually or in groups. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) The same DEP-based technique used to pattern cells can also be applied to positioning one or more types of the solid, semisolid, or liquid particles with single particle precision. In general any industry which requires the assembly of particles too small to effectively array by robotics or hand, or an industry which needs to position large number of particles simultaneously would find DEP trapping helpful. Patent (Set) WO 2005/078425

Inventor(s): Chen, Christopher S.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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