Three-dimensional dielectrophoretic microparticle separator fabricated by ultraviolet-assisted direct-write assembly

The design and fabrication of complex microfluidic devices is a subject of broad biomedical and technological interest. In this paper, we demonstrate the fabrication of a three-dimensional (3D) dielectrophoretic microparticle separator involving ultraviolet (UV)-assisted direct-write assembly of a UV-curable polyurethane. This approach yields a series of 3D microcoil interdigitated electrodes with defined geometry promoting particle separation through dielectrophoresis. These vertical microcoils give rise to considerable improvements in separation relative to standard planar (2D) microelectrodes. We envisage that the complex 3D electrodes will provide an enabling platform for a wide array of fluidic- and electronic-based applications.