Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
10:13
A Microfluidic-based Hydrodynamic Trap for Single Particles
Published on: January 21, 2011
16.0K
Enhanced size-dependent trapping of particles using microvortices.
Jian Zhou1, Susan Kasper, Ian Papautsky
1BioMicroSystems Lab, School of Electronic and Computing Systems, University of Cincinnati.
Microfluidics and Nanofluidics
|November 5, 2013
Summary
Inertial microfluidics uses microvortices for size-based particle separation. This study models particle trapping, revealing a threshold Reynolds number critical for selective isolation and high concentration enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Cell Separation
Background:
- Inertial microfluidics is a promising technique for size-based separation of particles and cells.
- Microchannel geometry modifications induce microvortices for selective particle/cell isolation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a model for understanding selective particle trapping in microfluidic microvortices.
- To investigate the impact of design and operational parameters on trapping behavior.
Main Methods:
- Computational modeling of particle trapping dynamics.
- Systematic exploration of flow conditions, trapping region size, and particle concentration.
Main Results:
- Identified a threshold Reynolds number governing size-dependent particle entry into microvortices.
- Demonstrated concentration enhancement up to 100,000× and isolation at 1/mL concentrations.
- Characterized the influence of key parameters on trapping efficiency and selectivity.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides insights into optimizing microfluidic devices for enhanced performance.
- Findings are applicable to the selective isolation of rare cells and other applications.
- Optimization strategies can improve device efficiency, size selectivity, and yield.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Precipitate Formation and Particle Size Control
5.8K
In precipitation gravimetry, the precipitating agent should react specifically or selectively with the analyte. While a specific reagent reacts with the analyte alone, a selective reagent can react with a limited number of chemical species.
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
5.8K
01:32Pinching-off of Coated Vesicles
3.2K
Vesicle budding is orchestrated by distinct cytosolic proteins such as adaptor proteins, coat proteins, and GTPases. To initiate vesicle budding, membrane-bending proteins containing crescent-shaped BAR domains bind to the lipid heads in the bilayer and distort the membrane to form a protein-coated vesicle bud. Adaptors proteins such as AP2 for clathrin-coated vesicles can nucleate on the deformed membrane. Finally, coat proteins such as clathrin or COPI and COPII assemble into a coat forming...
3.2K