Contactless catch-and-release system for giant liposomes based on negative dielectrophoresis

Abstract

This paper describes a contactless manipulation system for giant liposomes in an aqueous flow by negative dielectrophoresis (nDEP). The system consists of 2 pairs of comb electrodes that face each other across a perpendicular channel. This design allows an nDEP force to be focused at the center of the gap of the electrodes and the liposomes to align in lines without contacting either the electrodes or the channel walls. We experimentally demonstrated catch, hold, and release of floating giant liposomes. This contactless manipulation has a great advantage over conventional contact-type manipulation which would result in deformation or even rupture of the liposomes.