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Deformability based Cell Sorting using Microfluidic Ratchets Enabling Phenotypic Separation of Leukocytes Directly
Quan Guo1, Simon P Duffy1, Kerryn Matthews1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2054-6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
Scientific Reports
|July 28, 2017
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic ratchet device for efficient leukocyte separation from whole blood. The novel method achieves high purity and low cell loss, enabling downstream phenotypic sorting of immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Leukocyte separation is crucial for biological assays but traditional methods have limitations.
- Existing microfluidic techniques often lack selectivity and suffer from clogging.
- There is a need for efficient and selective leukocyte isolation methods from whole blood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microfluidic method for isolating and sorting leukocytes from whole blood.
- To overcome the limitations of traditional and existing microfluidic separation techniques.
- To utilize cell biophysical properties for selective cell separation.
Main Methods:
- Development of a microfluidic device employing a ratchet mechanism with tapered constrictions.
- Utilizing oscillatory flow to create size- and deformability-dependent cell transport.
- Implementing continuous agitation to prevent filter clogging and cell adsorption.
Main Results:
- Achieved 100% purity in leukocyte isolation from whole blood, with less than 2% cell loss.
- Demonstrated the device's capability to sort leukocytes, enriching for granulocytes and lymphocytes.
- The microfluidic ratchet mechanism effectively separates cells based on size and deformability.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic ratchet mechanism provides a sensitive and selective method for leukocyte isolation and sorting directly from whole blood.
- This technology offers a significant advancement over existing methods, minimizing cell damage and improving efficiency.
- The ability to phenotypically sort leukocytes has broad applications in immunological research and diagnostics.
