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Size-tunable microvortex capture of rare cells.

Reem Khojah1, Ryan Stoutamore, Dino Di Carlo

  • 1Department of Bioengineering and University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90055, USA. dicarlo@seas.ucla.edu.

Lab on a Chip
|June 15, 2017
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces a new passive cell capture method using microfluidic devices. It controls flow conditions to capture a wide range of cell sizes, overcoming limitations of size-based separation.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Microfluidics
  • Cell Separation Technology

Background:

  • Inertial microfluidic separation relies on precise device geometry for size-based particle and cell separation.
  • Existing methods require extensive device tuning to alter separation parameters.
  • A need exists for versatile cell separation techniques adaptable to various cell sizes within a single device.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a passive capture method for isolating a wide range of cell sizes using a single microfluidic device geometry.
  • To demonstrate control over cell capture by manipulating flow conditions (Reynolds number).
  • To enable automated capture and release of polydisperse cell subpopulations for clinical applications.

Main Methods:

  • Design of a multimodal capture device featuring lateral cavities branching from rectangular channels.

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  • Generation of laminar vortices within these cavities.
  • Manipulation of Reynolds number to induce distinct micro-vortex behaviors and particle trajectories.
  • Observation of particle orbit evolution and capture phases based on flow conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Micro-vortices capture larger particles at lower Reynolds numbers near the vortex core.
    • Smaller particles are influenced by vortex boundaries and can exit the flow.
    • At higher Reynolds numbers, smaller particles migrate inward, altering captured particle size distribution.
    • Three distinct capture phases identified, correlating with Reynolds number and particle orbit dynamics.

    Conclusions:

    • Flow condition control in a single device geometry allows for multimodal cell capture, overcoming size-specificity limitations.
    • This method facilitates automated capture and release of diverse cell subpopulations.
    • The technology holds promise for advancing label-free cell isolation, particularly for rare cells like circulating tumor cells (CTCs).