MANIPULATION OF HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE-1 BY DIELECTROPHORESIS

The frequency-dependent dielectrophoretic behaviour of an enveloped ma mmalian virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 is described. It is demonst rated that over the range 10 kHz-20 MHz, these viral particles, when s uspended in an aqueous medium of conductivity 5 mS m(-1), can be manip ulated by both positive and negative dielectrophoresis using microfabr icated electrode arrays. The observed transition from positive to nega tive dielectrophoresis at frequencies around 4.5 MHz is in qualitative agreement with a simple model of the virus as a conducting particle s urrounded by an insulating membrane. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.