Particle transportation by using rectified ac elec-troosmotic flows in open microfluidic channels

This study reports an innovative method to transport large particles or cells by using rectified AC electroosmotic flows in open microchannels. This rectified flow, obtained by synchronous zeta-potential modulation can transport both neutral and charged particles of various sizes. A maximum speed of 50μm/sec for 8μm polystyrene beads has been observed, without electrolysis, using a symmetrical square waveform 5V/mm driving electric field at 10 Hz and a 360V gate potential with its polarity synchronized.