SEPARATION OF SUBMICROMETER PARTICLES USING A COMBINATION OF DIELECTROPHORETIC AND ELECTROHYDRODYNAMIC FORCES

The controlled spatial separation of submicrometre particles by a comb ination of dielectrophoretic and electrohydrodynamic forces is demonst rated for the first time. Using planar microelectrode arrays, a mixtur e of two differently sized particles (93 nm and 216 nm diameter latex spheres) has been separated into constituent components. The particles separate into distinct bands, spatially separated from each other. Th e separation pattern is reproduced across an entire electrode array, i ndicating that the method could be used as a means of rapid nanopartic le separation, positioning and processing.