Cell Electrorotation

Abstract

In this chapter, we review the experimental and theoretical background of electrorotation and discuss the historical development of the method and its relationship to dielectrophoresis and impedance. This is followed by a brief description of the biological and technical applications of dielectric relaxation. The use of microfabricated chambers in new procedures for the manipulation or separation of dielectric particles suspended in liquids are also described. Summaries of the applications of electrorotation to the study of mammalian eggs and isolated chloroplasts provide an overview of the methods for measuring and interpreting the phenomenon.