High-throughput size-based rare cell enrichment using microscale vortices.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cell isolation is crucial for microfluidic assays but current methods lack throughput or viable collection.
• Heterogeneous samples require efficient cell separation techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-throughput, label-free cell isolation technique using microfluidic vortices.
• To enable viable off-chip cell collection for downstream applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized irreversible migration of particles into microscale vortices for cell isolation.
• Employed parallel expansion-contraction trapping reservoirs.
• Determined critical cell diameter (D(crt)) and optimal flow rates for trapping.

Main Results:

• Successfully separated larger cancer cells from smaller blood cells in spiked blood samples.
• Achieved high processing rates of up to 7.5×10^6 cells/s.
• Collected viable cells for long-term in vitro culture.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic approach offers high-throughput, label-free cell isolation based on size.
• The technique is suitable for clinical and research applications requiring viable cell collection.
• Improves upon existing methods by avoiding filter clogging and enabling simple device operation.