Patent ID: 7704363

Claim:
A device for manipulating a plurality of cells, comprising: (a) a translation channel, said translation channel having (i) first and second end regions, and (ii) first and second lateral side regions; (b) a first set of electrodes, wherein at least one electrode of said first set is disposed toward the first end region, and at least one other electrode of said first set is disposed toward the second end region; (c) a second set of electrodes, wherein at least one electrode of said second set is disposed toward the first lateral side region, and at least one other electrode of said second set is disposed toward the second lateral side region; (d) a first power supply disposed for electrical communication with said first set of electrodes and a second power supply disposed for electrical communication with said second set of electrodes; (e) a computer disposed for communication with said device, said computer being operable to establish a translational electrical field lengthwise along at least a portion of said translation channel and a trapping electrical field transverse to said translational electrical field, with said translational and trapping electrical fields crossing one another at an intersection defining a concentration zone; and (f) a detector positioned to detect cells in the concentration zone, wherein the computer is disposed for operable communication with the detector, and wherein the computer is configured to alter at least one of the translational electric field and the trapping electric field in response to data received from the detector.