Dielectrophoresis based focusing in microfluidic devices

Abstract

This document presents the mathematical model of a microfluidic device employing dielectrophoresis for purposes of 3D-focusing. The electrode configuration consists of multiple interdigitated transducer electrodes on either side of the bottom surface of the microchannel. The model consists of three equations of motion, one for each direction, equation of electric potential and electric field, and Navier-Stokes equation for fluid flow. The model accounts for forces such as inertia, gravity, buoyancy, and dielectrophoresis. The model is used for analyzing the influence of operating and geometric parameters on focusing. It is observed that the electrode configuration can achieve 3D-focusing irrespective of the radius and initial location of the micro-scale entity, volumetric flow rate, and applied voltage.