Dielectrophoresis-based microfluidics for detection and separation of circulating tumor cells

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent a critical focus in cancer research due to their potential to enable early detection, monitor disease progression, and facilitate personalized therapies. However, existing isolation techniques often face significant limitations, including low specificity, reduced recovery rates, and the inability to preserve cellular viability for downstream applications such as genetic profiling and drug testing. This review addresses a key knowledge gap in the development of efficient, label-free, and scalable technologies for CTC isolation, emphasizing the role of dielectrophoresis (DEP)-based microfluidic systems. DEP leverages the intrinsic dielectric properties of cells to enable selective and non-invasive separation, eliminating the need for surface markers and ensuring high cell integrity. The study highlights the integration of nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanosheets, as a novel approach to overcome existing challenges in DEP-based platforms. These nanomaterials improve the specificity and sensitivity of CTC capture by increasing surface area and biocompatibility. Key advancements discussed include the optimization of electrode designs, tuning of electric field parameters, and innovative system configurations that enhance recovery efficiency and separation purity. The review also compares various DEP configurations, such as electrode-based, insulator-based, and contactless systems, evaluating their unique advantages and suitability for different applications. In addition to reviewing current advancements, the paper outlines future directions for the field, emphasizing the need for large-scale clinical validation to establish DEP-based systems as reliable diagnostic tools. This review provides a comprehensive framework for advancing DEP-based microfluidic platforms, offering a transformative approach for early cancer detection, personalized medicine, and the broader application of innovative diagnostic technologies in clinical settings.