Dynamic dielectrophoretic cell manipulation is enabled by an innovative electronics platform

We report on a portable dielectrophoresis manipulation platform, for the positioning and immobilization of small dielectric objects, such as cells or microbes, using a circular array of up to six symmetrically arranged and independently controllable micro-electrodes. The system’s micro-controller-instructed electronic drivers can be operated in three distinct modes. We demonstrate the system’s function by actuating bacterial cells to specific locations and orientations within a region of interest. Using a deep learning approach, we map voltage phase combinations of the six electrodes to geometrical trap position locations, thereby facilitating smooth trajectory planning.