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A Protocol for Real-time 3D Single Particle Tracking
Published on: January 3, 2018
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Application of a three-dimensional (3D) particle tracking method to microfluidic particle focusing
Michael H Winer1, Ali Ahmadi, Karen C Cheung
1Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, 3064 - 2332 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada. mwiner@ece.ubc.ca.
Lab on a Chip
|February 28, 2014
Summary
A novel defocusing technique precisely tracks cell-sized particles in 3D microfluidic flows. This method simplifies particle focusing applications, offering accurate three-dimensional localization in microscale systems.
Area of Science:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Biophysics
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Particle focusing is crucial in microfluidic applications.
- Previous 3D tracking methods include micro-streak velocimetry and stereoscopic setups.
- Limitations exist in current 3D particle localization techniques for microscale flows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and demonstrate a defocusing-based 3D particle tracking method.
- To apply this technique for microfluidic particle focusing.
- To validate the method's precision and simplicity for cell-sized particles.
Main Methods:
- Developed a defocusing-based 3D particle tracking methodology.
- Applied the technique to microfluidic particle focusing.
- Compared results with theoretical and prior experimental data.
Main Results:
- The defocusing technique accurately determines 3D particle locations in microscale flows (Re ≤ 100).
- The method provides a simple and precise tool for particle tracking.
- Demonstrated successful implementation for microfluidic particle focusing.
Conclusions:
- The defocusing technique is a valuable tool for 3D particle tracking in microfluidics.
- This is the first implementation of defocusing for particle focusing applications.
- The method offers a significant advancement over existing techniques for microscale flow analysis.
