Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México.
PLoS One. 2024 Sep 26;19(9):e0310978. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310978. eCollection 2024.
This study explores the frontiers of microparticle manipulation by introducing an actuator platform for the three-dimensional positioning of microparticles using dielectrophoresis (DEP), a technique known for its selectivity and ease of integration with microtechnology. Leveraging advancements in carbon-based devices due to their biocompatibility and electrochemical stability, our work extends the application of DEP from two-dimensional constraints to precise 3D positioning within microvolumes, employing a photolithography-based fabrication process known as Carbon-MEMS technology (C-MEMS). We present the design, finite element simulation, fabrication, and testing of this platform, which utilizes a unique combination of planar and 3D carbon microelectrodes individually addressable on a transparent substrate. This setup enables the application of DEP forces, allowing for high-throughput manipulation of multiple microparticles simultaneously, as well as displacement of individual microparticles in any desired direction. Demonstrated with spherical 1μm and 10μm diameter polystyrene microparticles, this platform features straightforward fabrication and is suitable for batch industrial production. The study concludes with a discussion of the platform's advantages and limitations, marking a significant step toward a valuable tool for studying complex biological systems.
本研究通过引入一种基于介电泳(DEP)的微粒子三维定位致动器平台,探索了微粒子操纵的前沿领域。DEP 技术以其选择性和与微技术集成的简便性而闻名。由于其生物相容性和电化学稳定性,我们的工作利用了基于碳的器件的进步,将 DEP 的应用从二维限制扩展到微体积内的精确 3D 定位,采用了一种称为碳微机电系统技术(C-MEMS)的基于光刻的制造工艺。我们介绍了该平台的设计、有限元模拟、制造和测试,该平台利用了可单独寻址的平面和 3D 碳微电极的独特组合,位于透明基底上。这种设置允许应用 DEP 力,从而能够同时对多个微粒子进行高通量操纵,并能够在任何所需方向上移动单个微粒子。该平台使用 1μm 和 10μm 直径的聚苯乙烯微球进行了演示,具有简单的制造工艺,适合批量工业生产。该研究最后讨论了该平台的优点和局限性,标志着朝着研究复杂生物系统的有价值工具迈出了重要一步。