Dielectrophoresis based-cell patterning for tissue engineering

Engineering functional tissues and organs in vitro is considered integral to regenerative medicine. Many recent cell patterning technique developments position cells at a pre‐designated pattern to improve tissue engineering efficiency and quality and to facilitate 3‐D cell‐cell interaction exploration. Among these techniques, dielectrophoresis (DEP)‐based cell patterning advantageously offers speed, ease of operation, low degree of cell damage, and precision. This article reviews recent advances in DEP‐based patterning techniques, including electrode design, suitable buffer and hydrogel, effects of the electric current to cells, combination potential with other techniques, as well as efforts to generate 3‐D tissues.