Separation of two phenotypically similar cell types via a single common marker in microfluidic channels

To isolate clinically and biologically relevant cell types from a heterogeneous population, fluorescent or magnetic tagging together with knowledge of surface biomarker profiles represents the state of the art. To date, it remains exceedingly difficult to separate phenotypically and physically similar cell types from a mixed population. We report a microfluidic platform engineered to separate two highly similar cell types using a single antibody by taking advantage of subtle variations in surface receptor density and cell size. This platform utilizes antibody-conjugated surfaces in microfluidic channels together with precise modulation of fluid shear stresses to accomplish selective fractionation in a continuous flow process. Antibody conjugation density variation on the adhesive surfaces is achieved by covalently immobilizing an antibody in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol). This platform is used to demonstrate separation of two CD31 positive cell types, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human micro vascular endothelial cells.