Electrokinetic-Induced Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells in a Microfluidic Device under the Influence of External Electric Field: A Computational Study

Cell-based cancer analysis constitutes a significant investigatory methodology for monitoring the progression of cancer across different stages by quantifying the density of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) present in the bloodstream. Among the array of contemporary microfluidic techniques, dielectrophoresis (DEP), recognized as an electrokinetic phenomenon and a label-free detection modality, is particularly esteemed by researchers in the field. In the present study, a microfluidic device featuring semi-circular electrodes operating at a low voltage of approximately 1.5 V is proposed with the objective of isolating CTCs from various subtypes of white blood cells (WBCs). The employment of a low voltage is essential for maintaining the viability of biological cells, an aspect of paramount importance in medical applications. Through computational simulation with the finite element method, the electric potential profiles, the paths of the cell particles, and the DEP forces on cells were elucidated.