Numerical simulation and optimization of insulator-based dielectrophoresis devices for biopartical separation

Insulator-based (electrodeless) dielectrophoresis (iDEP) is an innovative approach which is widely used as biopartical separation in the micro total analysis systems (μTAS). The non-uniform electric field needed for dielectrophoresis (DEP) is produced by microarray insulators in the microchannels according to the new method. Based on the numerical simulation, iDEP microdevices were analyzed and functions were demonstrated. The electrical field generated by iDEP microdevices and DEP force experienced by cells in the microdevices were calculated using Finite Element Method (FEM). Furthermore, design parameters of iDEP microdevices, such as dielectric shape, dielectric size, dielectric distance, were optimized and a set of optimal parameters were given for a specific application. The performance is the best under 10 μm in distance, 3550 μm in length and 5×5 circle insulator-array.