Portable iso-dielectrophoresis system

Abstract

Iso-dielectrophoresis (IDS) can be used to characterize and separate cells by their electrical characteristics. An IDS system usually consist of a RF frequency voltage source up to 24 V, syringe pumps, microscope, and computer. Much of this equipment is difficult to transport, making off-site sample collection of time-sensitive samples, such as blood, difficult. The miniaturization of the IDS system would allow measurements to take place at the time of sample collection, improving the confidence in the measurement. This thesis details an attempt to miniaturize each system. The Raspberry Pi microcomputer was used to control and process signals from the hardware. A portable, affordable system for the electrical and optical equipment systems are described. A custom PCB was designed to provide voltage signals up to 3 MHz and 12 Vpp. A microscope using a Raspberry Pi camera and reversed webcam lens achieved 240x magnification with 13 [mu]m resolution. Alternatives to the syringe pump, including air pressure regulated pumps and peristaltic pumps, were considered for the fluidic component.