Dielectrophoresis: a review of applications for stem cell research.
Dielectrophoresis can discriminate distinct cellular identities in heterogeneous populations, and monitor cell state changes associated with activation and clonal expansion, apoptosis, and necrosis, without the need for biochemical labels. Demonstrated capabilities include the enrichment of haematopoetic stem cells from bone marrow and peripheral blood, and adult stem cells from adipose tissue. Recent research suggests that this technique can predict the ultimate fate of neural stem cells after differentiation before the appearance of specific cell-surface proteins. This review summarises the properties of cells that contribute to their dielectrophoretic behaviour, and their relevance to stem cell research and translational applications.
Pethig
Ronald
R
Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, Joint Research Institute for Integrated Systems, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JF, UK. ron.pethig@ed.ac.uk
Menachery
Anoop
A
Pells
Steve
S
De Sousa
Paul
P
D000818:Animals; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D004586:Electrophoresis / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*