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Microfluidics-based High-throughput Circulating Tumor Cell Sorting and Single-cell Sequencing Technology
Published on: November 14, 2025
227
Microfluidics for label-free sorting of rare circulating tumor cells
Shu Zhu1, Fengtao Jiang, Yu Han
1School of Mechanical Engineering, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China. nan.xiang@seu.edu.cn nzh2003@seu.edu.cn.
The Analyst
|October 1, 2020
Summary
Label-free sorting of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) offers a promising alternative to traditional methods. These techniques leverage physical properties, overcoming limitations of affinity-based approaches for cancer diagnosis and research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are vital biomarkers for cancer research and diagnosis.
- Sorting CTCs is challenging due to their rarity and similarity to blood cells.
- Current affinity-based methods face limitations like reduced cell viability and high reagent costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in label-free CTC sorting technologies.
- To emphasize the importance of device structures and performance in label-free CTC sorting.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of label-free CTC sorting methods.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of passive label-free sorting methods (channel structure, fluidic effects).
- Analysis of active label-free sorting methods (external force fields).
- Overview of principles, advantages, limitations, and applications of state-of-the-art devices.
Main Results:
- Label-free methods utilize physical properties, avoiding issues associated with affinity-based techniques.
- Detailed examination of various device designs and their sorting efficiencies.
- Comparison of passive and active sorting strategies.
Conclusions:
- Label-free CTC sorting presents a viable alternative for cancer biomarker research.
- Microfluidic devices are crucial for developing advanced label-free CTC sorting.
- Future perspectives focus on innovative devices for clinical cancer diagnosis and research.
