# US 10,307,769 B2 · Methods and systems relating to dielectrophoretic manipulation of molecules > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,307,769 B2 - Document ID: US10307769B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/596,655 - Filed: 2017-05-16 - Published: 2017-11-16 - Granted: 2019-06-04 - Earliest claimed: 2016-05-16 - Assignees: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/Mcgill University - Applicants: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/Mcgill University - Inventors: Sara Mahshid; Mohammed Jalal Ahamed; Walter Reisner; Robert Sladek - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10307769B2 ## CPC - B03C 5/026: {using open-gradient differential dielectric separation, i.e. using electrodes of special shapes for non-uniform field creation, e.g. Fluid Integrated Circuit [FIC]} - B03C 5/005: {Dielectrophoresis, i.e. dielectric particles migrating towards the region of highest field strength} - B03C 2201/26: for use in medical or biological applications - B03C: MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS (separating isotopes B01D59/00; combinations of magnetic or electrostatic separation with separation of solids by other means B03B, B07B) ## Abstract There is described herein methods and devices for confining and/or manipulating molecules. At least one molecule is introduced into a fluidic chamber. The fluidic chamber is formed inside a device comprising at least one first electrode having a first surface spaced from at least one second electrode having a second surface facing the first surface. The at least one second electrode has a plurality of dielectric structures arranged to form openings along the second surface. At least one electrical signal is applied across the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode to generate a non-uniform electric field having electric field lines extending from the first surface of the at least one first electrode to the second surface of the at least one second electrode in the openings formed between the dielectric structures. The at least one electrical signal has a frequency level causing the at least one molecule to move inside the fluidic chamber in accordance with a predetermined movement. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A confinement device for molecules comprising: at least one first electrode having a first surface; at least one second electrode having a second surface spaced from the first surface of the first electrode and forming a fluidic chamber therebetween; at least one port extending through one of the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode and in fluid communication with the fluidic chamber; and a plurality of dielectric structures on the second surface arranged to form openings along the second surface, wherein application of an electrical signal across the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode generates a non-uniform electric field having electric field lines extending from the first surface of the at least one first electrode to the second surface of the at least one second electrode in the openings formed between the dielectric structures. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode comprises a matrix of electrodes. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein electrodes in the matrix of electrodes are individually connected to electrode pads for selective application of an electrical signal. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one spacer between the at least one first electrode and one of the at least one second electrode and outer ones of the plurality of dielectric structures. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode is composed of an optically transparent indium tin oxide. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one second electrode has a third surface opposite to the second surface, and further comprising a substrate in contact with the third surface. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, further comprising a casing surrounding the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode, the casing composed of a transparent, biologically inert material. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the openings formed along the second surface of the second electrode by the dielectric structures are channels that extend at least partially across the second surface. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the second surface of the at least one second electrode is coated with a layer of dielectric material. ### Claim 10 A method for manipulating molecules, the method comprising: introducing at least one molecule into a fluidic chamber, the fluidic chamber formed inside a device comprising at least one first electrode having a first surface spaced from at least one second electrode having a second surface facing the first surface, the at least one second electrode having a plurality of dielectric structures arranged to form openings along the second surface; and applying at least one electrical signal across the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode to generate a non-uniform electric field having electric field lines extending from the first surface of the at least one first electrode to the second surface of the at least one second electrode in the openings formed between the dielectric structures, the at least one electrical signal having a frequency level causing the at least one molecule to move inside the fluidic chamber in accordance with a predetermined movement. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, wherein applying the at least one electrical signal comprises selecting the frequency level to cause the at least one molecule to align with the electric field lines. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, wherein applying the at least one electrical signal comprises selecting the frequency level to cause the at least one molecule to be driven and confined into the openings formed between the dielectric structures. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, wherein applying the at least one electrical signal comprises selecting the frequency level to cause one of linearization and accumulation of the at least one molecule. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, wherein applying the at least one electrical signal comprises selectively attracting and repelling the at least one molecule from regions of the fluidic chamber by varying the frequency level of the at least one electrical signal. ### Claim 15 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, wherein applying the at least one electrical signal comprises applying multiple electrical signals to selectively displace different ones of the at least one molecule within the fluidic chamber. ### Claim 16 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, wherein applying the at least one electrical signal comprises selectively applying the at least one electrical signal to different regions of the device to confine and release the at least one molecule as a function of a position in the fluidic chamber. ### Claim 17 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, further comprising applying one of fluidic pressure and hydrodynamic pressure across the device to displace the at least one molecule within the fluidic chamber. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The method of claim 17, wherein applying one of fluidic pressure and hydrodynamic pressure across the device comprises first removing the at least one electrical signal to release the at least one molecule. ### Claim 19 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, wherein applying at least one electrical signal comprises applying at least one first electrical signal to cause a dielectrophoretic force to act on the at least one molecule and applying at least one second electrical signal to cause an electrophoretic force to act on the at least one molecule. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one first electrical signal and the at least one second electrical signal are applied concurrently.