Cell separation device and cell separation method

Abstract

Plural types of cells having different dielectrophoretic properties are separated using a simple structure. There is provided a cell separation device including: a flow path through which a cell suspension flows, the cell suspension containing plural types of cells which have different dielectrophoretic properties; electrodes disposed to face each other in a direction intersecting a flow direction of the cell suspension flowing in the flow path; an electric field gradient forming portion which generates an electric field strength gradient between the electrodes; and a power supply applying an alternating voltage having a direct current component across the electrodes.

1 . A cell separation device comprising:
 a flow path through which a cell suspension flows, the cell suspension containing plural types of cells which have different dielectrophoretic properties;   electrodes disposed to face each other in a direction intersecting a flow direction of the cell suspension flowing in the flow path;   an electric field gradient forming portion which generates an electric field strength gradient between the electrodes; and   a power supply applying an alternating voltage having a direct current component across the electrodes.   
   
   
       2 . The cell separation device according to  claim 1 , wherein the electric field gradient forming portion is an insulating member which has at least one opening and which is disposed between the electrodes. 
   
   
       3 . The cell separation device according to  claim 2 , wherein the electrodes are parallel plate electrodes which form an electric field having an approximately uniform electric field strength. 
   
   
       4 . The cell separation device according to  claim 1 , wherein the electric field gradient forming portion is constructed by forming one of the electrodes is smaller than the other electrode. 
   
   
       5 . A cell separation method comprising the steps of:
 making a cell suspension containing plural types of cells having different dielectrophoretic properties flow in a flow path; and   applying an alternating voltage, including a direct current component, across electrodes which face each other in a direction intersecting a flow direction of the cell suspension flowing in the flow path to form an electric field having an electric field strength gradient between the electrodes.