Acoustophoresis

Abstract

Definition“Acoustophoresis” means migration with sound, i.e., “phoresis” (migration) and “acousto” (sound waves) are the executors of the movement. In related concepts, electric forces move particles in electrophoresis and magnetic forces in magnetophoresis [1]. Acoustophoresis is a non-contact and label-free mode of manipulating particles and cell populations and allows for implementation of several separation modes [2]. The technology is currently finding increased applications in bioanalytical and clinical applications of cell handling and manipulation. An extensive tutorial series on acoustophoresis was recently published by Royal Society of Chemistry [3].TheoryParticles in suspension exposed to an acoustic standing wave field will be affected by an acoustic radiation force [4]. The force will cause the particle to move in the sound field if the acoustic properties of the particle differ from the surrounding medium. The magnitude of the movement depends on factors, such as the size ...