An apparatus for separating an analyte from a test sample, such as bacteria from blood components, based on their dielectric properties, localizing or condensing the analyte, flushing substantially all remaining waste products from the test sample, and detecting low concentrations of the analyte. The module array includes a plurality of microfluidic channels with connecting microfluidic waste channels for directing undesired material away from the analyte. An electric field is applied causing a positive dielectrophoretic force to the analyte to capture the analyte. The electric field is applied to at least one electrode having a plurality of concentric rings or concentric arcs extending radially outwards from a center point, electrically connected to a voltage source such that when voltage is applied to the at least one electrode, the concentric rings or concentric arcs alternate in voltage potential.

Methods and apparatus for detection and/or identification of analytes including bacteria using dielectrophoresis and electroosmotic traps. Switching between different frequencies of an applied electric field results in movement of the analyte between dielectrophoresis and electroosmotic trapping states. The use of edge-based sensing techniques enables the use of electrodes with a larger form factor than nanowire sensors. Signal modulation based on analyte contact with the electrode edge is also described.

Provided is a concentration device suitable for dielectrophoresis. The concentration device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate provided so as to face the first substrate, a flow path formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first pillar electrode line disposed in the flow path and including a left-side first pillar electrode L (301L), a right-side first pillar electrode R (301R), and one second pillar electrode B (302B), and a second pillar electrode line disposed in the flow path and including one second pillar electrode A (302A). The value of L3 is not less than 5 micrometers, where L3 is equal to (A1−A2), A1 represents a distance between a second vertex Q2 of the second pillar electrode A and a center point O; and A2 represents a distance between the first vertex Q1 of the second pillar electrode B and the center point O.

An electrode apparatus and method remove a polarized molecule in a fluid. In another aspect, a non-uniform electric field is created between an anode and a cathode, the fluid flows within a gap between the cathode and the anode, and the polarized molecule is driven by an electrostatic force to and adsorbed on the anode without experiencing a chemical reaction.

A microfluidic apparatus can comprise a dielectrophoresis (DEP) configured section for holding a first liquid medium and selectively inducing net DEP forces in the first liquid medium. The microfluidic apparatus can also comprise an electrowetting (EW) configured section for holding a second liquid medium on an electrowetting surface and selectively changing an effective wetting property of the electrowetting surface. The DEP configured section can be utilized to select and move a micro-object in the first liquid medium. The EW configured section can be utilized to pull a droplet of the first liquid medium into the second liquid medium.

The present technology relates to improved device and methods of use of insulator-based dielectrophoresis. This device provides a multi-length scale element that provides enhanced resolution and separation. The device provides improved particle streamlines, trapping efficiency, and induces laterally similar environments. Also provided are methods of using the device.

A microfluidic device may, in an example, include at least one microfluidic channel, a dielectrophoresis separator to separate a plurality of cells passing within the at least one microfluidic channel, and a thermal resistor to eject at least one cell from the microfluidic device. A cassette may, in an example, include a die coupled to a substrate of the cassette, the die including at least one microfluidic channel, a dielectrophoresis separator along the microfluidic channel to separate a plurality of cells passing within the microfluidic channel, and an ejection device to eject at least one of the plurality of cells into an assay well.

A microparticle trapping device includes: a fluid channel configured to be injected with a fluid including a microparticle; first and second electrodes configured to generate an electric field in the fluid channel; and an electrical insulator formed with at least one opening between the first and second electrodes in the fluid channel. The electrical insulator is disposed between the first and second electrodes so that an inhomogeneous electric field is made through the at least one opening between the first and second electrodes in the fluid channel, and the still other aspect is configured to trap the microparticle through dielectrophoresis.

The present invention provides a new method for accurately identifying DEP cross-over frequencies of one or more particles in a sample, and quickly and efficiently conveying that information to assist in the separation, e.g., DEP separation, or analysis of the one of more particles under examination or investigation. The present invention also provides an apparatus and method for monitoring the dielectrophoretic response of one or more particles and determining the DEP cross-over frequency of particles of interest.

The present invention provides novel microfluidic substrates and methods that are useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays. The substrates can include a plurality of electrically addressable, channel bearing fluidic modules integrally arranged such that a continuous channel is provided for flow of immiscible fluids.