Reproducible sensing of individual biological cells by broadband microwave signals

A broadband coplanar stripline was used in conjunction with a microfluidic channel for microwave sensing of live and dead biological cells with single-cell sensitivity and reproducibility. To facilitate sensing, AC dielectrophoresis was used to trap the cells between the stripline electrodes without electrode polarization. The measured dispersion of the scattering parameters were found to be proportional to the number of cells trapped, as well as to the size and vitality of the cells.