Patent ID: 8702945
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: B01L,B03C,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for spatially sorting particles using dielectrophoresis and field-flow fractionation comprising the steps: providing a channel defining at least one electrode surface bordered laterally by a first sidewall and a second sidewall; providing a first plurality of electrodes adjacent the electrode surface and extending along the electrode surface, and a second plurality of electrodes adjacent the electrode surface and extending along the electrode surface; applying a first voltage to the first plurality of electrodes and a second voltage to the second plurality of electrodes such that the first plurality of electrodes is at a different electric potential than the second plurality of electrodes; and moving a liquid at an oscillating flow rate through the channel, the liquid having a first plurality of particles suspended therein and a second plurality of particles suspended therein, wherein the first plurality of particles and the second plurality of particles each have a property that affects dielectrophoretic forces induced by the applied first and second voltages, wherein the property is different in the first plurality of particles than in the second plurality of particles such that the first plurality of particles are urged laterally away from the second plurality of particles and towards at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall to an extent sufficient to reduce a flow rate of the first plurality of particles compared to a flow rate of the second plurality of particles according to a liquid velocity profile across a cross-section of the channel; thereby separating the first plurality of particles longitudinally from the second plurality of particles with field-flow fractionation resulting from the liquid lateral velocity profile.