elektrodytor

An elektrodytor is a device that uses spatially varying electric fields to manipulate charged particles or droplets in a fluid. It is typically realized in microfluidic systems, where electrode patterns on a chip create local potential landscapes that guide motion, trap objects, or separate species without moving mechanical parts.

Operation relies on electrokinetic phenomena such as electrophoresis, electroosmosis, and dielectrophoresis. By applying alternating or direct voltages to electrode arrays, the device can form trapping regions, steer trajectories, or separate species based on size, permittivity, or conductivity. In practice, AC fields are commonly used to induce dielectrophoretic forces, reducing undesired electrolysis and heating, while DC fields may drive electrophoretic motion when necessary.

Common designs include planar interdigitated electrodes or three-dimensional electrode matrices embedded in microchannels. The channels may be fabricated in glass, silicon, or polymer substrates and can be integrated with sensors and fluidic components to complete a lab-on-a-chip system.

Potential applications cover biomedical and chemical analysis, including cell sorting, rare-cell enrichment, single-cell assays, protein or nanoparticle separation, and preparative sample handling for downstream detection.

Limitations and safety considerations involve Joule heating, electrolysis at higher voltages, electrical crosstalk between electrodes, and fabrication complexity. Proper insulation, biocompatible materials, and careful control of voltages are required to minimize adverse effects on samples and device integrity.

See also: dielectrophoresis, electrophoresis, electroosmosis, electrowetting, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip.