Rapid pattern switching of cellular arrays with dielectrophoresis to discriminate surface antigen

The rapid and simple discrimination system of cells with specific surface antigen was developed based on the pattern switching of cellular array formed by the positive and negative dielectrophoresis (p-DEP and n-DEP). p-DEP was used to accumulate the cells and capture by the immunoreactions between the specific surface antigen and antibody immobilized on the surface, while n-DEP was to remove of unbound cells. The time required for the determination of the surface antigen is decreased to 60 s compared to that required by a cell binding assay using microtiter plates (30 min). Furthermore, the present method for a novel cell binding assay does not require pretreatment such as target labeling or washing of unbound cells.