Characterization of biomolecule polarizability in alternating electric fields

This internship project focuses on the experimental characterization and quantification of the electrical polarizability of biomolecules such as DNA and proteins. The student will perform dielectrophoresis (DEP) capture experiments using microelectrode array devices and quantify biomolecular trapping behavior using fluorescence microscopy. Experimental results will be compared to continuum-based electrokinetic models to extract effective polarizability parameters and assess the validity and limitations of existing theoretical descriptions at the molecular scale. The work will involve fluorescence imaging, data analysis, and numerical modeling, providing hands-on experience at the interface of biophysics, microfluidics, and electrokinetics. This project aims to improve the understanding of biomolecular polarization mechanisms and contribute to the development of label-based and label-free DEP manipulation techniques.