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HIGH-THROUGHPUT CELL SORTER WITH PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATION
C H Chen1, Sung H Cho1, A Erten1
1University of California, San Diego, Electrical Engineering Department, USA.
Micro Total Analysis Systems : Proceedings of the ... [Mu] TAS International Conference on Miniaturized Chemical and Biochemical Analysis Systems. [Mu] TAS (Conference)
|September 16, 2014
Summary
This study introduces a novel, easy-to-fabricate, low-power, high-speed cell sorting module using a piezoelectric (PZT) actuator. The PZT actuator enables efficient flow switching for single-cell sorting, overcoming limitations of current microfluidic cell sorters.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Biotechnology
- Cell Sorting
Background:
- Existing microfluidic cell sorters (microFACS) face challenges with low throughput, complex fabrication, and high power consumption.
- Current DEP-based and fluorescent-activated cell sorters often require intricate designs like embedded electrodes and significant energy input.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an improved integrated sorting module for microfluidic cell sorters.
- To achieve high-speed, low-power, and simplified fabrication for cell sorting applications.
Main Methods:
- Integration of an on-chip piezoelectric (PZT) actuator into a microfluidic sorting module.
- Utilizing the bending motion of the PZT actuator for flow control.
- Theoretical dynamic simulations and experimental validation using beads and biological agents.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated an easy-to-fabricate, low-powered, and high-speed cell sorting module.
- Verified high-speed flow-switching and sorting capabilities at the single-cell level.
- Successful sorting of both model particles (beads) and biological agents.
Conclusions:
- The PZT-actuated module offers a significant advancement over existing microFACS technologies.
- This approach provides a viable solution for high-throughput, energy-efficient, and simplified single-cell sorting.
- The developed module has potential applications in various biological and medical fields requiring precise cell manipulation.
