What is the Difference Between Electrophoresis and Dielectrophoresis?

The main difference between electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis lies in the way they separate particles and the electric fields they use. Here are the key differences:

1. Separation: Electrophoresis separates charged particles, while dielectrophoresis separates both charged and non-charged particles based on their dielectric properties.
2. Electric Field: Electrophoresis uses a uniform direct current (DC) voltage to create a uniform electric field, where particles respond to the electric field gradient. In contrast, dielectrophoresis manipulates particles in a non-uniform electric field, which can be achieved by applying a large field gradient.
3. Movement: In electrophoresis, charged particles move towards the oppositely charged ends of the electric field, while in dielectrophoresis, the movement of particles is based on the difference in polarizability between the particles.
4. Charged vs. Non-charged Particles: Electrophoresis is limited to the separation of charged particles, but dielectrophoresis can separate both charged and non-charged particles by utilizing their dielectric properties.

In summary, electrophoresis is an analytical technique that separates charged particles in a uniform electric field, while dielectrophoresis separates charged and non-charged particles in a non-uniform electric field based on their dielectric properties.

Comparative Table: Electrophoresis vs Dielectrophoresis

Here is a table comparing electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis:

Electrophoresis is an analytical technique that separates charged particles in a spatially uniform electric field, while dielectrophoresis separates charged or non-charged particles in non-uniform electric fields. The motion of particles in electrophoresis depends on their charge, whereas in dielectrophoresis, the motion is based on the difference in polarizability between the particles.