FIG. 1.

DEP-FFF experimental setup. Microfabricated electrodes on the bottom wall of the separation chamber were energized with electrical signals and provided DEP levitation forces. After being introduced to the chamber through the injection valve, the cells of different types in a mixture were levitated to different equilibrium heights under the balance of DEP and sedimentation forces. A fluid-flow profile was produced in the chamber from the injection syringe pump. The cells were transported through the chamber at different velocities corresponding to their heights, exited the chamber from the bottom outlet port, and were detected by the flow cytometer.