Cell Deformation by Dielectrophoretic Fields

The stiffness of cells is strongly influenced by specifics in their cytoskeleton. Their mechanical properties, therefore, are an easily accessible parameter for distinguishing between cells. Monitoring the cell deformation under the influence of external forces provides all the advantages of a label-free characterization, e.g. avoiding interference with the physiological state and obviating time-consuming labeling steps that also increase the intricacy of microsystems. In this way, individual cells can be identified in on-chip microfluidic applications before they are transferred to further manipulation steps, like fusion, sorting, exposure to chemicals or others.