AC DEP Rupture

Researcher

Eric Rutan [MySpace]

Description and Motivation

Current work is focused on quantifying the rupturing rate of the various blood types when subjected to 1kHz alternating current field. Initial results show that the rate of rupture differs based on blood type and the amount of time the blood has been out of the body [Leonard, 2007 and Leonard, 2008]. Further research will explore the effects of electric field strength and concentration on the rupture rate.

	Images of AB+ Rupturing at 1 kHz
	Figure A (time 0 sec.)		Figure B (time 120 sec.)
	Figure C (time 210 sec.)		Figure D (time 240 sec.)

Publications

• Keshavamurthy, S.S., Leonard, K.M., Burgess, S.C., and A.R. Minerick Direct Current Dielectrophoretic Characterization of Erythrocytes: Positive ABO Blood Types. Nanotech Proceedings. (June 2008)
• Leonard, Kaela, Rutan, Eric, Reeves, Sheena, Pate, Ashley, Walton, Megan, Thompson, Sarah and Adrienne, Minerick. Rapid Cell Rupture in a Dielectrophoretic Field. In preparation.

Presentations

• Leonard, Kaela, Rutan, Eric, Reeves, Sheena, Pate, Ashley, Walton, Megan, Thompson, Sarah and Adrienne Minerick (July 2008) Rapid Cell Rupture in a Dielectrophoretic Field. Presentation at Gordon Research Conference-Bioelectrochemistry, Biddeford, Maine .
• Leonard, Kaela, Reeves, Sheena, Pate, Ashley, Walton, Megan, Thompson, Sarah and Adrienne Minerick (April 2008) Rapid Cell Rupture in a Dielectrophoretic Field. Presentation at Annual Graduate Student Symposium at Mississippi State University. **This presentation won second prize in the physical sciences category**
• Leonard, Kaela, Reeves, Sheena, Pate, Ashley, Walton, Megan, Thompson, Sarah and Adrienne Minerick (November 2007) Rapid Cell Rupture in a Dielectrophoretic Field. Poster presented at 2007 Annual AES Conference. **This poster won first prize**

Personal Motivation

My initial experiences with chemical engineering have been in industry. While I enjoyed those opportunities immensely, I also wanted to explore other avenues. With this opportunity in research, I will experience a new side of engineering while working on a project with the potential to significantly impact people’s lives in a positive way. This research will also help me decide whether or not I wish to pursue graduate school.