High-speed discrimination and sorting of submicron particles using a microfluidic device.
Sukumar Rajauria1, Christopher Axline, Claudia Gottstein
1Department of Physics, University of California , Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States.
Nano Letters
|December 3, 2014
Summary
This study presents a disposable microfluidic particle sorter for high-throughput counting and sorting of submicron particles and cells. The device achieves over 98% sorting fidelity, enabling precise sample analysis and nanoparticle manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Particle Science
Background:
- Accurate sorting of micro- and nanoscale particles is crucial for sample analysis and nanoparticle-based product manufacturing.
- Existing methods face challenges in high-throughput, on-demand particle manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a disposable microfluidic particle sorter for high-throughput, on-demand counting and binary sorting of submicron particles and cells.
- To enable particle sorting based on either fluorescence or electrical size determination.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a resistive pulse sensor for size-based sorting.
- On-the-fly optical image capture and analysis for fluorescence-based discrimination.
- Utilizing piezoelectric actuators for particle deflection into designated output channels.
Main Results:
- Achieved sorting fidelities exceeding 98%.
- Demonstrated capability to count and actuate over 60,000 particles per minute.
- Successful binary sorting of submicron particles and cells based on size or fluorescence.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic device offers a high-performance solution for particle sorting.
- Enables precise control and analysis of micro- and nanoscale particles for various applications.
- Facilitates advancements in sample analysis and nanoparticle manufacturing processes.
