A two-dimensional particle focusing channel using the positive dielectrophoresis (PDEP) guided by a dielectric structure between two planar electrodes

We present a two-dimensional particle focusing channel, in which a dielectric structure between two planar electrodes induces the maximum electric field along the edge of the dielectric structure. The focused electric field attracts the particles to the center of the microchannel by positive dielectrophoretic (pDEP) forces. We design the two-dimensional particle focusing channel and analyze the particle focusing function using numerical simulation. In the experimental study, the fabricated device focuses of 2 μm-diameter polystyrene particles at the center of the microchannel for the sample flow-rate of 0.05 μl/min and the 5 kHz square wave voltage of 14 Vp-p. Compared to the previous particle focusing methods, the present device achieves a simple and effective particle focusing function with the minimum number of fluidic ports and electrodes.