Localized Electroporation With Dielectrophoretic Field Flow Fractionation: Toward Removal of Circulating Tumour Cells From Human Blood.

This paper presents the design and experimental performance of a microelectrode-based device to selectively lyse cells in a flow in a microfluidic channel. Localized cell lysis is achieved by utilizing "irreversible electroporation," in which cells are exposed to high magnitude electric pulses. Localized cell lysis in a flow has research applications and may allow for the removal of harmful cells, such as circulating tumor cells from blood.

Effects of dielectrophoresis on thrombogenesis in human whole blood.

Thrombogenesis (blood clot formation) is a major barrier to the development of biomedical devices that interface with blood. Although state-of-the-art chemically and pharmacologically mediated clot mitigation strategies are effective, some limitations of such approaches include depletion of active agents, or adverse reactions in patients. Increased clotting protein adsorption and platelet adhesion, which occur when artificial surfaces are exposed to blood result in enhanced clot formation on artificial surfaces.

Design of optimal electrode geometries for dielectrophoresis using fitness based on simplified particle trajectories.

Dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces applied to microscopic particles are highly dependent on the gradient of the electric field experienced by the particles. These DEP forces can be used to selectively capture and remove cells from fluid flows within a micro-channel above the DEP electrodes. Modification of the geometry of the electrodes that generate the electric field is the main approach available to increase the electric field gradient over a wide area, and hence increase the applied dielectrophoretic force.

Central sleep apnea detection and stimulation.

This paper proposes a system to detect and intervene in instances of central sleep apnea. The system is composed of a detection module and a stimulation module, which provides sensory stimulation to the patient when an apnea event has occurred. The system is currently in prototype and has not yet undergone patient trials.