APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING BY DIELECTROPHORESIS

摘要

The invention relates to a separator, which is particularly useful for separating cellular matter. The separator utilises the phenomenon known as dielectrophoresis (DEP). A DEP force effects a particle suspended in a medium. The particle experiences a force in an alternating electric field. The force is proportional to, amongst other things, the electrical properties of the supporting medium and the particle and the frequency of the electric field. The separator, of the present invention. comprises a chamber (10) and a plurality of electrodes (12) disposed in the chamber (10). An electric field established across electrodes subjects some of the particles to a stronger force than others such that they are confined within the chamber. Particles which are not confined are removed from the chamber by the supporting medium which is preferably urged through the chamber. Valves (101 and 202) are provided on exhausts of the chamber. The invention is able to separate two different particles continuously. ,