Electrode‑Array Dielectrophoretic Assembly (Microfluidic Device for the Assembly & Transport of Microparticles, Tech ID: 07‑029)
Technology Overview: A microfluidic device with independently addressable, interdigitated electrode arrays that uses high‑gradient AC electric fields to assemble microparticles at predefined locations and then transport them collectively by sequentially energizing adjacent arrays—enabling precise, large‑scale assembly for photonic, sensing, and biofabrication applications.
Industry Pain Point: Traditional self‑assembly lacks positional precision and on‑chip transport control, limiting yield for structured micro‑materials and device prototyping.
NJIT Solution: Use electrically addressable DEP “conveyors” to trap, pattern, and move microparticles within microchannels, merging deterministic placement with scalable transport on a single chip.
Key Features & Advantages
- Addressable electrode arrays for spatially programmable assembly/transport.
- Works with negatively polarized suspensions under strong AC fields.
- Supports large‑scale structures for photonics, electronics, and sensors.
Development Stage: TRL 4 – Device‑level demonstrations.
Target Markets
- Micro‑optoelectronic and photonic device manufacturing
- Lab‑on‑chip fabrication & biosensor assembly
- Advanced materials R\&D and micro‑robotics
Commercial & IP Details
Inventors: Andreas Acrivos; C. D. James; Boris Khusid; Anil Kumar