Dielectrophoresis: Physical Principles, Applications, and Future Perspectives
Leonid Y. Polynkin1, Aleksandra V. Kokhanovskaia1, Oleg I. Pohodyaev1, Maksim A. Dragun1, Tatiana G. Statsenko1, Margarita A. Zhgut1, Stanislav O. Yurchenko1, Egor V. Yakovlev1; 1Center for Soft Matter and Physics of Fluids, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
Abstract
Dielectrophoresis is one of the most effective methods for the non-contact manipulation of micro- and nano-scale objects in non-uniform electric fields. Unlike traditional manipulation techniques, this approach relies on differences in dielectric properties between objects and the surrounding medium, enabling selective movement, focusing, sorting, and trapping without mechanical contact. Due to these advantages, dielectrophoresis is widely used in microfluidics, biomedical engineering, analytical systems, and lab-on-a-chip technologies. This presentation discusses the physical principles of dielectrophoresis, the mechanisms responsible for the generation of dielectrophoretic forces, and the key parameters governing particle motion in non-uniform electric fields. An overview of modern applications is provided, including cell and microparticle sorting, concentration, focusing in microchannels, controlled self-assembly, and integration into flow cytometry and other microfluidic devices. Particular attention is paid to switchable electric field configurations for implementing various microobject manipulation modes within a unified platform. Examples of dielectrophoretic control of self-assembly and particle focusing are considered, along with the integration of dielectrophoresis with other physical manipulation mechanisms. It is shown that dielectrophoresis can serve both as an independent tool for microobject control and as a component of multifunctional microfluidic systems. Current trends in dielectrophoretic technologies are also discussed, including improved manipulation accuracy, integration with computational modeling, and the development of multifunctional platforms for the analysis and control of complex dispersed and biological systems. The research was funded by the Russian Science Foundation (project No. 26-72-10175).
Speaker
Leonid Polynkin
Center for Soft Matter and Physics of Fluids, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
Russia
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