Precise label-free leukocyte subpopulation separation using hybrid acoustic-optical chip

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate separation of leukocyte subpopulations is vital for leukemia diagnosis and analysis.
• Conventional methods like centrifugation and immunofluorescence lack precision and convenience due to overlapping cell characteristics and complex procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, label-free technology for precise separation of leukocyte subpopulations.
• To overcome the limitations of existing methods by combining acoustic and optical technologies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Standing Surface Acoustic Wave (SSAW) technology for gentle and precise cell focusing.
• Employed optical forces to differentiate lymphocytes and monocytes based on refractive index (RI) differences.
• Integrated SSAW for granulocyte separation, leveraging their distinct size.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-purity separation of leukocyte subtypes: 99% for lymphocytes, 98% for monocytes, and 95% for granulocytes.
• Demonstrated the robust ability of the hybrid device in separating leukocyte phenotypes with considerable throughput.
• Validated the non-invasive, label-free, and precise nature of the developed separation technology.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid acoustic and optical technology offers a precise, non-invasive, and label-free method for leukocyte subpopulation separation.
• This convenient approach shows significant potential as a powerful tool for auxiliary clinical diagnosis and analysis.
• The high purity and throughput achieved pave the way for improved diagnostic capabilities in hematological disorders.