Abstract
This article presents recent patents and advances on electrical methods for particle manipulation in a microfluidic environment. At microscale, electric fields have unique advantages in performing analytical functions such as manipulation of biological molecules and cells. The advent of AC electrokinetics in recent years further promotes the development of laboratory on a chip, providing versatility and flexibility to interface with many current methods and technologies in multiple biological, chemical and physical disciplines. This article gives an overview of AC electrical principles and their applications, with an emphasis on particle manipulation by electric fields.
Keywords: Microfluidics, electrokinetics, laboratory-on-a-chip, micro total analysis system
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