Method and apparatus for rapid particle manipulation and characterization

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for use in rapid particle transportation, separation, focusing, characterization, and release. Dielectrophoresis and electro-osmotic driven fluid convection are used independently or in tandem as the driving forces for particle manipulation and on occasion characterization. Although dielectrophoresis has been acknowledged for decades as a powerful technique for particle manipulation and characterization, long processing times and measurement inaccuracies that emerge from using disjointed electrodes have limited its usefulness in diagnostic kits. The present invention provides for a continuous wire that enables fluid flow patterns and dielectrophoretic forces with optimal configurations for rapid and sensitive particle manipulation and characterization.