Dielectrophoretic Separation of Platelets from Red Blood Cells

Application ID: 17013


Dielectrophoresis (DEP) occurs when a force is exerted on a dielectric particle as it is subjected to a nonuniform electric field. DEP has many applications in the field of biomedical devices used for biosensors, diagnostics, particle manipulation and filtration (sorting), particle assembly, and more.

The DEP force is sensitive to the size, shape, and dielectric properties of the particles. This allows DEP to be used to separate different kinds of particles, such as various kinds of cells from a mixture. The Red Blood Cell Separation application shows how red blood cells can be selectively filtered from a blood sample in order to isolate red blood cells from platelets.

In the DEP filter device, the red blood cells, which are larger than the platelets, feel a larger force and are thereby deflected more. The two outlets are arranged so that the top outlet catches undeflected particles and only particles that have been deflected can exit from the lower outlet.

The app allows you to vary characteristics of the red blood cells and platelets, as well as the electric field.

This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products: