Quantitative design and analysis of single-particle dielectrophoretic traps

We present modeling and experiments demonstrating quantitative single-particle trapping using dielectrophoresis-based (DEP-based) particle traps. Using microfabricated thin-film gold quadropole-electrode structures, we have measured the minimum fluid flow needed to dislodge captured polystyrene beads under a given set of conditions. This flow has been compared to predictions made using models we have developed, and found to be in excellent agreement with experimental measurements with no fitted parameters. In addition, we have shown the utility of these modeling tools for analyzing arbitrary DEP-based traps. The model can now be used to design general DEP-based traps for microscale analysis systems.