Figure 1.

Proposed cell patterning method using positive DEP force defined by non-fouling microstructures. (a) Positive DEP by metal electrodes; electrical interaction between a non-uniform electric field and polarized charges induced by the field exerts a net force on the particle toward a higher electric field region. (b) Dielectric properties of PEG microstructures can be used to generate a non-uniform electric field required for positive DEP manipulation of mammalian cells. (c) A three-step approach for efficient patterning of cells. (c-i) Non-fouling property of PEG allows for selective coating of ECM proteins in the microwell. (c-ii) cells are attracted to the microwells due to positive DEP forces. (c-iii) After removal of electrical potential and gentle washing, excess cells are removed to reveal a monolayer of patterned cells