A Continuous Cell Lysis Device Using Focused High Electric Field and Self-Generated Electroosmotic Flow

We present a continuous electrical cell lysis device, using a DC bias voltage (about 50V) to generate the focused high electric field for cell lysis as well as the electro-osmotic flow for cell transport. The previous cell lysis devices focusing electric field apply an AC voltage between micro-gap electrodes for cell lysis and use pumps or valves for cell transport. The present DC cell lysis device, however, generates high electrical field by reducing the width of the channel between a DC electrode pair. The present device performs continuous cell lysis and pumping without using additional flow source, while the previous AC devices needs additional pumps or valves for the discontinuous cell loading and unloading in the lysis chambers. In the experimental study, the fabricated device shows the RBC lysis rate of 100% and electro-osmotic flow of 30±9μm/s for the bias voltage of 50V. Major advantages of the present device include the continuous, self-pumping cell lysis performance, suitable for integrated biofluidic systems.