Numerical study of a dielectrophoresis separation device at multiple frequencies

This paper presents a novel dielectrophoresis (DEP) chip for lateral separation of cells/particles at multiple frequencies. DEP force was enabled by interdigitated electrodes fabricated in the access channel. The non-uniform electric field distribution in the micro-channel is solved through finite element analysis. To improve the effectiveness of separation, the shape of insulators is optimized and other parameters such as the width of the electrodes are studied by introducing parameter K which can stand for the DEP force imposed on cells/particles. It is proved that planar electrodes can take place of 3D electrodes under certain condition. Furthermore functions realized by 3D electrodes can also be achieved by simple planar electrodes.