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Yeast cell fractionation by morphology in dilute ferrofluids
Qi Chen, Di Li1, Jessica Zielinski2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634-0921, USA.
Biomicrofluidics
|November 21, 2017
Summary
This study demonstrates continuous-flow, morphology-based separation of yeast cells using magnetophoresis. The technique effectively fractionates cells based on their size and aggregation state in ferrofluids.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Particle morphology is a key property for label-free separation.
- Diamagnetic cell separation offers a non-invasive technique for biological samples.
- Heterogeneous mixtures require advanced fractionation methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a continuous-flow, morphology-based fractionation of drug-treated yeast cells.
- To utilize negative magnetophoresis for directing cells to morphology-dependent streamlines.
- To evaluate separation performance and develop a numerical model.
Main Methods:
- Continuous-flow separation in dilute ferrofluids.
- Diamagnetic cell separation utilizing negative magnetophoresis.
- Three-dimensional numerical modeling of the separation process.
Main Results:
- Successful fractionation of yeast cells (Singles, Doubles, Triples, Others) based on morphology.
- Experimentally determined correction factors used in numerical simulations.
- Reasonable agreement between experimental and numerical results.
Conclusions:
- Morphology-based separation in ferrofluids is a viable technique for yeast cell fractionation.
- Magnetophoresis combined with laminar flow enables morphology-dependent cell sorting.
- Numerical modeling aids in understanding and optimizing the separation process.
