Sheathless Acoustic Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (aFACS) with High Cell Viability

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Acoustic Cell Sorting

Background:

• Traditional cell sorting methods often require sample dilution and can lead to reduced cell viability.
• Existing systems may struggle with precise focusing of small particles, impacting sorting accuracy.
• Sensitive cell types, like cardiomyocytes, require gentle sorting techniques to maintain viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sheathless acoustic fluorescence activated cell sorting (aFACS) system.
• To improve cell sorting accuracy, efficiency, and cell viability.
• To provide a benchtop solution for sorting sensitive cell types.

Main Methods:

• Combining elasto-inertial cell focusing with highly focused traveling surface acoustic waves (FTSAW).
• Utilizing microfluidic device for single-file cell alignment without sample dilution.
• Employing fluorescence interrogation for single-cell level sorting and acoustic deflection.

Main Results:

• Achieved high sorting purity and recovery rates of approximately 90% for multiple cell lines, including hiPSC-CMs.
• Demonstrated effective focusing of 1 μm particles, crucial for various cell sorting applications.
• Maintained high cell viability (3-4% drop) compared to commercial FACS (35-45% drop).

Conclusions:

• The developed aFACS system offers a gentle and effective method for single-cell sorting.
• This technology enables high-accuracy cell sorting with superior cell viability preservation.
• The sheathless aFACS system is a promising benchtop solution for sorting sensitive and valuable cell populations.