Microfluidic-Based Approaches in Targeted Cell/Particle Separation Based on Physical Properties: Fundamentals and...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology and Sorting
• Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies

Background:

• Cell separation is crucial for biotechnology, cancer research, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery.
• Conventional cell sorting relies on specific cell properties but can be costly and damaging.
• Microfluidics presents a promising alternative for cell separation using diverse physical principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review principles and applications of label-free microfluidic cell separation methods.
• To highlight the advantages of label-free techniques in minimizing cell damage and cost.
• To discuss computational approaches and future perspectives in microfluidic cell separation.

Main Methods:

• Exploitation of intrinsic forces (e.g., fluid dynamics) and extrinsic forces (e.g., magnetic, electric fields).
• Separation based on intrinsic cell properties: size, density, deformability, shape, electrical, magnetic, and acoustic properties.
• Utilizing label-free microfluidic devices for high-efficiency cell sorting.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of commonly used label-free microfluidic cell separation techniques.
• Summary of applications in separating circulating tumor cells, blood cells, immune cells, and stem cells.
• Explanation of computational methods that complement microfluidic cell separation.

Conclusions:

• Label-free microfluidic cell separation is a highly effective and gentle method for diverse cell types.
• Significant potential for advancing research in cancer, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery.
• Ongoing challenges and future directions for enhancing microfluidic cell separation technologies.