Publications

A bioparticle detector and enrichment platform using integrated insulator-based dielectrophoresis and bioimpedance measurements

Ponce, Pierre P.; Simmons, Blake S.; Khine, Michelle; Davalos, Rafael V.

We have developed a bioparticle detection platform which combines insulatorbased dielectrophoretic (iDEP) concentration with impedance feedback. The system continuously and selectively accumulates particles while electrical responses of the suspension at the trapping site are recorded. The operating conditions for trapping are determined by the physical and electrical properties of the target particle type. Recordings of phase offset, relative to the reference sensing signal, act as the principal monitoring indicators. These measurements enable us to detect the presence and the approximate concentration of biological contaminants in a sample. This study is the first to illustrate the potential of iDEP concentration in conjunction with impedance measurements. The results obtained from fluorescent beads and viable B. subtilis spores demonstrate the feasibility of using iDEP concentration with active impedance monitoring to detect biological pathogens collected from dilute samples. © 2006 Society for Chemistry and Micro-Nano Systems.