Advances and Applications of Rapid Electrokinetic Patterning

Abstract

The dynamic manipulation and assembly of colloids enables
the advancement of analytical techniques in biotechnology and the
development of self-assembled materials. Rapid electrokinetic patterning
(REP) is a hybrid optoelectrokinetic technique that simultaneously
uses a laser illumination and a uniform AC electric field to yield programmable,
dynamic, and non-invasive manipulation of colloidal particles.
Since it was introduced, the technique has been applied to microengineering
and biological research fields, showing its promising capabilities
as a great tool for trapping, aggregating, translating, and sorting single
and multiple micro- and nanoparticles, including bacteria. To effectively
leverage and enhance these applications, this review paper will highlight
its versatility and capability, including REP’s principles, governing physics,
different experimental setups, fabrications, applications, and future
prospects.