Method for continuously separating components from a sample

A method for separating sample components from a sample, the method comprising:

• providing a field-flow fractionation device comprising:
• an alternating current (AC) power source;
• a channel comprising a sample inlet and a plurality of sample outlets;
• a flow generator coupled to the channel and configured for translocating the sample components along the channel in a first direction from the sample inlet to the plurality of sample outlets;
• an actuator coupled to the channel and configured for translocating the sample components via a direct current (DC) electric field in a second direction that forms a first angle with the first direction;
• an array of electrodes arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein each row of the plurality of rows includes at least two of the electrodes;
• and
• two sets of conductive interdigitated fingers aligned at a second angle with the first direction, wherein the second angle is different from the first angle and each finger of the two sets is electrically connected to a respective row of the plurality of rows of electrodes;
• operating the AC power source to set adjacent rows of the array of electrodes at different AC potentials while every other row of the array of electrodes is set at the same AC potential;
• operating the flow generator in such a way as to feed the sample to the sample inlet and cause the translocation of the sample components along the channel in the first direction from the sample inlet to the plurality of sample outlets;
• operating the actuator so as to translocate the sample components in the second direction;
• and
• collecting the sample components from the plurality of sample outlets.