Dielectrophoretic Immobilization of Yeast Cells Using CMOS Integrated Microfluidics

Abstract

This paper presents a dielectrophoretic system for the immobilization and separation of live and dead cells. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a promising and efficient investigation technique for the development of novel lab-on-a-chip devices, which characterizes cells or particles based on their intrinsic and physical properties. Using this method, specific cells can be isolated from their medium carrier or the mixture of cell suspensions (e.g., separation of viable cells from non-viable cells). Main advantages of this method, which makes it favorable for disease (blood) analysis and diagnostic applications are, the preservation of the cell properties during measurements, label-free cell identification, and low set up cost. In this study, we validated the capability of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) integrated microfluidic devices for the manipulation and characterization of live and dead yeast cells using dielectrophoretic forces. This approach successfully trapped live yeast cells and purified them from dead cells. Numerical simulations based on a two-layer model for yeast cells flowing in the channel were used to predict the trajectories of the cells with respect to their dielectric properties, varying excitation voltage, and frequency.

Characterization and Separation of Live and Dead Yeast Cells Using CMOS-Based DEP Microfluidics

“…The DEP microfluidic device used in this work was introduced in our recent article [ 72 ] for cell immobilization. To analyze biological suspensions, a CMOS device was combined with a microfluidic channel on a single chip.…”

“…This device was successfully used to immobilize yeast cells as a means for detection application [ 72 ]. In this study, we demonstrated the applicability of the same device for frequency-dependent DEP characterization of live and dead yeast cells and for cell separation from a cell mixture.…”

Analysis of microorganisms with nonlinear electrokinetic microsystems

“…Mentioned previously, yeast cells provide a great basis for the testing of novel EK techniques, specifically when the extended use may apply to other types of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. Recent DEP studies for lab‐on‐a‐chip technology and integrated system designs have the common theme of using yeast as a model organism with great interest in cell response to thermal shock and viability as well as differentiation in ratchet microchannels [32–34]. Many bioanalytical applications require rapid sorting of cells, which can be achieved by focusing the particles of interest into a stream within a microchannel; this is especially useful for developing integrated systems that seek to perform multiple functions within a single device.…”

“…Another relevant viability study is the work by Matbaechi‐Ettehad et al. as they attempted to manipulate living and dead yeast cells using a complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) integrated device [34]. According to this group, silicone, their semiconductor of choice, allows for the integration of more systems into a smaller space, increasing the effectivity and applicability of LOC devices within and outside a laboratory setting [34].…”

“…as they attempted to manipulate living and dead yeast cells using a complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) integrated device [34]. According to this group, silicone, their semiconductor of choice, allows for the integration of more systems into a smaller space, increasing the effectivity and applicability of LOC devices within and outside a laboratory setting [34]. From their results, a strong argument can be made that CMOS devices have great potential for moving forward the LOC industry; however, the high cost and precision necessary in their fabrication still provides a barrier to full incorporation as the industry standard.…”