On the height of cell aggregates formed with positive dielectrophoresis

The influence of a number of parameters on the height of cell aggregates formed by positive dielectrophoresis was systematically investigated. It was found that the aggregate height could be increased by following a number of simple rules. Interdigitated electrodes with oppositely placed castellations gave higher aggregate heights than interdigitated parallel electrodes. The optimal frequency was identified to be 1 MHz. To obtain the highest aggregates, the conductivity of the suspending medium should be kept to the lowest value obtainable, as should the fluid flow rate through the chamber. Aggregate height increased with increasing voltage, but the effect of increasing the voltage diminished as higher aggregate heights were reached. Optima were observed in the aggregate height as a function of the electrode characteristic size, which depended on the cell type and cell size. It was shown to be possible to create aggregate heights of over 150 µm for all the three cell types (bacteria, yeasts and mammalian cells) employed, using voltages of only 20 Vpk–pk.