Method of electrochemically producing hydrogel, method of producing hydrogel with pattern formed of cells, hydrogel production apparatus, and transducer

An apparatus for producing a hydrogel comprising:

• an electrolytic tank having a bottom surface;
• working electrodes arranged two-dimensionally on the bottom surface of the electrolytic tank;
• a counter electrode placed in the electrolytic tank;
• a controller configured to apply a predetermined voltage to one or more of the working electrodes;
• a Z stage having an adhesion surface parallel to the bottom surface of the electrolytic tank and capable of moving the adhesion surface in a Z direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the electrolytic tank;
• an oscillator configured to apply an alternating voltage of a predetermined frequency to the one or more of the working electrodes, and
• either an inner electrode for dielectrophoresis placed on the bottom surface of the electrolytic tank and having holes each surrounding in a non-contact manner a corresponding one of the working electrodes, or inner electrodes for dielectrophoresis placed on the bottom surface of the electrolytic tank each surrounding in a non-contact manner a corresponding one of the working electrodes,
• wherein the oscillator is configured to apply the alternating voltage for dielectrophoresis to the inner electrode or the inner electrodes.