We propose a method to experimentally determine the Clausius–Mossotti factors and surface capacitances of colloidal particles. This two-step method is based on the following: (i) a precise positioning of particles on activated electrodes according to the applied frequency of an electric field and (ii) particles velocities measurements from a pure dielectrophoretic regime to build the Clausius–Mossotti factor. It confirms previous literature methods and measures the surface capacitance values for a wide range of particles such as polystyrene, silica, and gold whose diameters are at least 200 nm.

In this work, we report the auto-assembly experiments of micrometer sized particles by optical trapping in the evanescent field of a photonic crystal nanocavity. The nanocavity is inserted inside an optofluidic cell designed to enable the real time control of the nanoresonator transmittance as well as the real time visualization of the particles motion in the vicinity of the nanocavity. It is demonstrated that the optical trap above the cavity enables the assembly of multiple particles in respect of different stable conformations.

Axons in the developing nervous system are directed via guidance cues, whose expression varies both spatially and temporally, to create functional neural circuits. Existing methods to create patterns of neural connectivity in vitro use only static geometries, and are unable to dynamically alter the guidance cues imparted on the cells. We introduce the use of AC electrokinetics to dynamically control axonal growth in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. We find that the application of modest voltages at frequencies on the order of 10⁵ Hz can cause developing axons to be stopped adjacent to the electrodes while axons away from the electric fields exhibit uninhibited growth. By switching electrodes on or off, we can reversibly inhibit or permit axon passage across the electrodes. Our models suggest that dielectrophoresis is the causative AC electrokinetic effect. We make use of our dynamic control over axon elongation to create an axon-diode via an axon-lock system that consists of a pair of electrode ‘gates’ that either permit or prevent axons from passing through. Finally, we developed a neural circuit consisting of three populations of neurons, separated by three axon-locks to demonstrate the assembly of a functional, engineered neural network. Action potential recordings demonstrate that the AC electrokinetic effect does not harm axons, and Ca²⁺ imaging demonstrated the unidirectional nature of the synaptic connections. AC electrokinetic confinement of axonal growth has potential for creating configurable, directional neural networks.

The human brain is a complex organ composed of many different types of cells interconnected to create an organized system able to efficiently process information. Dysregulation of this delicately balanced system can lead to the development of neurological disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). To investigate the functionality of human brain physiology and pathophysiology, the scientific community has been generated various research models, from genetically modified animals to two- and three-dimensional cell culture for several decades. These models have, however, certain limitations that impede the precise study of pathophysiological features of neurodegeneration, thus hindering therapeutical research and drug development. Compartmentalized microfluidic devices provide in vitro minimalistic environments to accurately reproduce neural circuits allowing the characterization of the human central nervous system. Brain-on-chip (BoC) is allowing our capability to improve neurodegeneration models on the molecular and cellular mechanism aspects behind the progression of these troubles. This review aims to summarize and discuss the latest advancements of microfluidic models for the investigations of common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

This work determines the dielectrophoretic response of surface modified polystyrene and silica colloidal particles by experimentally measuring their Clausius-Mossotti factors. Commercial charged particles, fabricated ones coated with fibronectin, and Janus particles that have been grafted with fibronectin on one side only were investigated. We show that the dielectrophoretic response of such particles can be controlled by the modification of the chemistry or the anisotropy of their surface. Moreover, by modelling the polarizabilities of those particles, the dielectric parameters of the particles and the grafted layer of protein can be measured.