DIELECTROPHORETIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CELL MEMBRANE STUDIES

摘要

A dielectrophoretic device and method is described for manipulating one or more particles, e.g. living cells. The device comprises a plurality of electrodes in the form of a DEP cage, and a particle movement detection system for detecting movement of the one or more particles within the cage. Particle movement is indicative of passing through the cross-over frequency. The particle movement detection system includes a particle presence sensor and this can be located eccentrically with respect to a trapping point of the DEP cage. The device and method may be used for classification, identification, of quantification of diseased versus healthy cells, for diagnosis, for medical research and development and in therapy. They are particularly useful for investigating living cells whose cell membrane alters in conductivity or permeability.