ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION There are needs in biotechnology for the manipulation of small objects, such as cells, chromosomes, biological membranes, and nucleic acid and protein molecules. Biological cells range in size from less than a microme ter to several hundred micrometers, and molecules are even smaller, mea sured in nanometers. Electrostatic forces, as has been discussed in previ ous chapters, are highly suitable for handling, characterization, and separation of these fine particles. With the use of electrostatic effects, these objects can be manipulated collectively or even individually. In addi tion, because electrostatic force is “ surface force,” distributed around the surfaces of objects, it enables gentle manipulation, without applying too much stress to the object.
