Cell trapping and patterning using dielectric-structure-assisted negative dieletrophoresis

This paper reports a cell trapping and patterning method using dielectric-pattern-assisted negative dielectrophoresis (dnDEP) that can achieve high-density cell arrays and complicated cell patterns.The dnDEP device consists of two planar metal electrodes and a patterned dielectric layer sandwiched in-between.The dielectric patterns generate non-uniform electric fields when an ac voltage is applied on the two electrodes,and the interaction of polarizable cells and the non-uniform electric fields imposes negative DEP forces on the cells,pushing them to the patterns in the dielectric layer.Using this dnDEP device,human lymphoma cells were successfully patterned in high-density microwell arrays and stellate structures.Thanks to the three-dimensional configuration and the small distance between the electrodes,cell trapping and patterning can be implemented with a voltage of 10 V.This dnDEP device has the advantages of simple configuration,low actuating voltage,and the compatibility with high conductivity physiological media for cell culturing.