ELECTRIC-FIELD-MEDIATED INHIBITION OF CELL AND MICROPARTICLE ADHESION- A NEW WAY TO CREATE BIO-REPELLENT SURFACES

Ultramicroelectrodes fabricated by electron-beam lithography (width an d height between 200 nm and 1 mu m) are used for active alteration of the adherence properties of surfaces. We show that a.c. electric field s of low amplitudes (approximate to 1 V) and high frequencies (>1 MHz) can repel living cells and suspended microparticles. To reduce heat p roduction and improve bio-repellence, the electrodes are embedded in o r insulated by thin dielectric layers (several hundred nanometres). Th ese devices can possibly be used to keep sensor surfaces clean and the y are an alternative way of producing bio-repellant surfaces.