Keywords

Coulter counter, Dielectrophoresis, Interdigitated electrodes, PDMS, SU 8

Abstract

The capability of manipulating microparticle in small volumes is fundamental to many biological and medical applications, including separation and detection of cells. The development of microtools for effective sample handling and separation in such volumes is still a challenge. DEP (dielectrophoresis) is one of the most widely used methods in handling the microparticles. In this thesis we show that forces generated by nonuniform electric field (DEP) can be used for trapping and separating the microparticles (latex beads). This work further explores the DEP force based on different electrode geometries and medium conductivity. A micromanipulator for latex bead separation was designed, fabricated and characterized. For the development of DEP manipulator, the fabrication and packaging of microfluidic structure with the microelectrode is crucial for reliable analysis. A combination of SU-8 photoresist and polydimethylsiloxane polymer was used for this purpose. Besides, the DEP manipulator, preliminary study on a Coulter counter was conducted. The Coulter counter works on the principle of resistive pulse sensing. This counter is used for counting the beads as they pass through the microfluidic channel. Its possible integration with the manipulator was also explored.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2004

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Sundaram, Kalpathy B.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Program

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0000121

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0000121

Language

English

Release Date

January 2009

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Engineering and Computer Science; Engineering and Computer Science -- Dissertations, Academic

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