A review of active and passive hybrid systems based on Dielectrophoresis for the manipulation of microparticles

Abstract

Particle separation is essential in a broad range of systems and has several biological applications. Microfluidics has emerged as a potentially transformational method for particle separation. The approach manipulates and separates particles at the micrometer scale by using well-defined microstructures and precisely managed force fields. Depending on the source of the principal manipulating forces, particle manipulation and separation in microfluidics may be classified as active or passive. Passive microfluidic devices depend on drag and inertial forces and microchannel structure, while active microfluidic systems rely on external force fields. Active microfluidics, in general, can properly control and place particles of interest in real time. Due to the low flow rate, the residual time required to apply an appropriate external manipulating force to the target particles is reduced, thereby limiting overall throughput. Passive microfluidics, on the other hand, has a simple architecture, robustness, and high throughput. Hybrid techniques, which combine active and passive processes, have been created to address the shortcomings of each while maximizing the benefits of each. Numerous hybrid techniques for particle separation have been developed. This study reviews the most recent developments in the field of hybrid devices based on dielectrophoresis. Dielectrophoresis-passive and dielectrophoresis-active hybrid approaches are described and evaluated. Dielectrophoresis-inertial, dielectrophoresis-hydrophoresis, dielectrophoresis- deterministic lateral displacement, and insulator-based dielectrophoresis are examples of dielectrophoresis-passive hybrid devices. Dielectrophoresis with acoustophoresis, magnetophoresis, and optophoresis are examples of dielectrophoresis-active devices. Each hybrid system will be assessed based on its operating principles, advantages, and disadvantages. Following that, a comprehensive explanation of dielectrophoresis physical concepts and operating procedures will be offered. As part of this review, the advantages and disadvantages of DEP-based separation devices will be examined. All these hybrid devices will be thoroughly examined and evaluated. Finally, a summary of present difficulties in the hybrid separation sector will be offered, as well as future suggestions and aspirations.

Keywords: DEP advantages and disadvantages; DEP-Hybrid systems; DEP-active; DEP-passive; Dielectrophoresis.