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Hu X, Chen W, Lin J, Nie D, Zhu Z, Lin P. The motion of micro-swimmers over a cavity in a micro-channel. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2789-2803. [PMID: 38445957 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01589k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This article combines the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with the squirmer model to investigate the motion of micro-swimmers in a channel-cavity system. The study analyses various influential factors, including the value of the squirmer-type factor (β), the swimming Reynolds number (Rep), the size of the cavity, initial position and particle size on the movement of micro-swimmers within the channel-cavity system. We simultaneously studied three types of squirmer models, Puller (β > 0), Pusher (β < 0), and Neutral (β = 0) swimmers. The findings reveal that the motion of micro-swimmers is determined by the value of β and Rep, which can be classified into six distinct motion modes. For Puller and Pusher, when the β value is constant, an increase in Rep will lead to transition in the motion mode. Moreover, the appropriate depth of cavity within the channel-cavity system plays a crucial role in capturing and separating Neutral swimmers. This study, for the first time, explores the effect of complex channel-cavity systems on the behaviour of micro-swimmers and highlights their separation and capture ability. These findings offer novel insights for the design and enhancement of micro-channel structures in achieving efficient separation and capture of micro-swimmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Fluid Transmission Technology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Weijin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fluid Transmission Technology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Jianzhong Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for the Safety of Pressure Vessel and Pipeline, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Deming Nie
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Zuchao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Fluid Transmission Technology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Peifeng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Fluid Transmission Technology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
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Lu Y, Tan W, Mu S, Zhu G. Vortex-Enhanced Microfluidic Chip for Efficient Mixing and Particle Capturing Combining Acoustics with Inertia. Anal Chem 2024; 96:3859-3869. [PMID: 38318710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Vortex-based microfluidics has received significant attention for its unique characteristics of high efficiency, flexible control, and label-free properties for the past decades. Herein, we present a vortex-based acousto-inertial chip that allows both fluid and particle manipulation within a significantly wider flow range and lower excitation voltage. Composed of contraction-expansion array structures and vibrating microstructures combined with bubbles and sharp edges, such a configuration results in more vigorous vortical fluid motions. The overall improvement in device performance comes from the synergistic effect of acoustics and inertia, as well as the positive feedback loop formed by vibrating bubbles and sharp edges. We characterize flow patterns in the microchannels by fluorescence particle tracer experiments and uncover single- and double-vortex modes over a range of sample flow rates and excitation voltages. On this basis, the ability of rapid and efficient sample homogenization up to a flow rate of 200 μL/min under an excitation voltage of 15 Vpp is verified by a two-fluid fluorescence mixing experiment. Moreover, the recirculation motion of particles in microvortices is investigated by using a high-speed imaging system. We also quantitatively measure the particle velocity variation on the trajectory and illustrate the capturing mechanism, which results from the interaction of the microvortices, particle dynamics, and composite microstructure perturbations. Further utilizing the shear forces derived by microvortices, our acousto-inertial chip is demonstrated to lysis red blood cells (RBCs) in a continuous, reagent-free manner. The high controllability and multifunction of this technology allow for the development of multistep miniaturized "lab-on-chip" analytical systems, which could significantly broaden the application of microvortex technology in biological, chemical, and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Lu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Wei Tan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Shuoshuo Mu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
| | - Guorui Zhu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
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3
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Shen F, Gao J, Zhang J, Ai M, Gao H, Liu Z. Vortex sorting of rare particles/cells in microcavities: A review. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:021504. [PMID: 38571909 PMCID: PMC10987199 DOI: 10.1063/5.0174938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidics or lab-on-a-chip technology has shown great potential for the separation of target particles/cells from heterogeneous solutions. Among current separation methods, vortex sorting of particles/cells in microcavities is a highly effective method for trapping and isolating rare target cells, such as circulating tumor cells, from flowing samples. By utilizing fluid forces and inertial particle effects, this passive method offers advantages such as label-free operation, high throughput, and high concentration. This paper reviews the fundamental research on the mechanisms of focusing, trapping, and holding of particles in this method, designs of novel microcavities, as well as its applications. We also summarize the challenges and prospects of this technique with the hope to promote its applications in medical and biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shen
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | - Jie Gao
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingzhu Ai
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongkai Gao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaomiao Liu
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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Yao Y, Lin Y, Wu Z, Li Z, He X, Wu Y, Sun Z, Ding W, He L. Solute-particle separation in microfluidics enhanced by symmetrical convection. RSC Adv 2024; 14:1729-1740. [PMID: 38192326 PMCID: PMC10772704 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07285a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The utilization of microfluidic technology for miniaturized and efficient particle sorting holds significant importance in fields such as biology, chemistry, and healthcare. Passive separation methods, achieved by modifying the geometric shapes of microchannels, enable gentle and straightforward enrichment and separation of particles. Building upon previous discussions regarding the effects of column arrays on fluid flow and particle separation within microchips, we introduced a column array structure into an H-shaped microfluidic chip. It was observed that this structure enhanced mass transfer between two fluids while simultaneously intercepting particles within one fluid, satisfying the requirements for particle interception. This enhancement was primarily achieved by transforming the originally single-mode diffusion-based mass transfer into dual-mode diffusion-convection mass transfer. By further optimizing the column array, it was possible to meet the basic requirements of mass transfer and particle interception with fewer microcolumns, thereby reducing device pressure drop and facilitating the realization of parallel and high-throughput microfluidic devices. These findings have enhanced the potential application of microfluidic systems in clinical and chemical engineering domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurou Yao
- Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Yao Lin
- Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Zerui Wu
- Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Zida Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University Shenzhen 518060 China
| | - Xuemei He
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230001 China
| | - Yun Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230001 China
| | - Zimin Sun
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230001 China
| | - Weiping Ding
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
| | - Liqun He
- Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
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Teoh BY, Lim YM, Chong WY, Subramaniam M, Tan ZZ, Misran M, Suk VRE, Lo KW, Lee PF. Isolation of exosome from the culture medium of Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) C666-1 cells using inertial based Microfluidic channel. Biomed Microdevices 2022; 24:12. [PMID: 35080702 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-022-00609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Isolation of exosome from culture medium in an effective way is desired for a less time consuming, cost saving technology in running the diagnostic test on cancer. In this study, we aim to develop an inertial microfluidic channel to separate the nano-size exosome from C666-1 cell culture medium as a selective sample. Simulation was carried out to obtain the optimum flow rate for determining the dimension of the channels for the exosome separation from the medium. The optimal dimension was then brought forward for the actual microfluidic channel fabrication, which consisted of the stages of mask printing, SU8 mould fabrication and ended with PDMS microchannel curing process. The prototype was then used to verify the optimum flow rate with polystyrene particles for its capabilities in actual task on particle separation as a control outcome. Next, the microchip was employed to separate the selected samples, exosome from the culture medium and compared the outcome from the conventional exosome extraction kit to study the level of effectiveness of the prototype. The exosome outcome from both the prototype and extraction kits were characterized through zetasizer, western blot and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microfluidic chip designed in this study obtained a successful separation of exosome from the culture medium. Besides, the extra benefit from this microfluidic channels in particle separation brought an evenly distributed exosome upon collection while the exosomes separated through extraction kit was found clustered together. Therefore, this work has shown the microfluidic channel is suitable for continuous separation of exosome from the culture medium for a clinical study in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boon Yew Teoh
- Department of Biomedical and Mechatronics Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Jalan Sungai Long, Kajang 43000, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yang Mooi Lim
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Jalan Sungai Long, Kajang 43000, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Jalan Sungai Long, Kajang 43000, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wu Yi Chong
- Photonics Research Centre, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Menaga Subramaniam
- Centre for Cancer Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Jalan Sungai Long, Kajang 43000, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zi Zhang Tan
- Department of Biomedical and Mechatronics Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Jalan Sungai Long, Kajang 43000, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Misni Misran
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vicit Rizal Eh Suk
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kwok-Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical & Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Poh Foong Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Jalan Sungai Long, Kajang 43000, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Design and Numerical Simulation of Biomimetic Structures to Capture Particles in a Microchannel. FLUIDS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fluids7010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The study of separating different sizes of particles through a microchannel has been an interest in recent years and the primary attention of this study is to isolate the particles to the specific outlets. The present work highly focuses on the design and numerical analysis of a microchip and the microparticles capture using special structures like corrugated dragonfly wing structure and cilia walls. The special biomimetic structured corrugated wing is taken from the cross-sectional area of the dragonfly wing and cilia structure is obtained from the epithelium terminal bronchioles to the larynx from the human body. Parametric studies were conducted on different sizes of microchip scaled and tested up in the range between 2–6 mm and the thickness was assigned as 80 µm in both dragonfly wing structure and cilia walls. The microflow channel is a low Reynolds number regime and with the help of the special structures, the flow inside the microchannel is pinched and a sinusoidal waveform pattern is observed. The pinched flow with sinusoidal waveform carries the particles downstream and induces the particles trapped in desired outlets. Fluid particle interaction (FPI) with a time-dependent solver in COMSOL Multiphysics was used to carry out the numerical study. Two particle sizes of 5 µm and 20 µm were applied, the inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s with an inflow angle of 50° was used throughout the study and it suggested that: the microchannel length of 3 mm with corrugated dragonfly wing structure had the maximum particle capture rate of 20 µm at the mainstream outlet. 80% capture rate for the microchannel length of 3 mm with corrugated dragonfly wing structure and 98% capture rate for the microchannel length of 2 mm with cilia wall structure were observed. Numerical simulation results showed that the cilia walled microchip is superior to the corrugated wing structure as the mainstream outlet can conduct most of the 20 µm particles. At the same time, the secondary outlet can laterally capture most of the 5 µm particles. This biomimetic microchip design is expected to be implemented using the PDMS MEMS process in the future.
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Gwak H, Ha SM, Song JW, Hyun KA, Jung HI. Coil spring-powered pump with inertial microfluidic chip for size-based isolation and enrichment of biological cells. Analyst 2022; 147:5710-5717. [DOI: 10.1039/d2an01380k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Coil spring-powered device for circulating biomarker isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hogyeong Gwak
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Min Ha
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woo Song
- College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-A. Hyun
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Il Jung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea
- The DABOM Inc., Republic of Korea
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Raihan MK, Jagdale PP, Wu S, Shao X, Bostwick JB, Pan X, Xuan X. Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluids in a Single-Cavity Microchannel. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:836. [PMID: 34357246 PMCID: PMC8306080 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Having a basic understanding of non-Newtonian fluid flow through porous media, which usually consist of series of expansions and contractions, is of importance for enhanced oil recovery, groundwater remediation, microfluidic particle manipulation, etc. The flow in contraction and/or expansion microchannel is unbounded in the primary direction and has been widely studied before. In contrast, there has been very little work on the understanding of such flow in an expansion-contraction microchannel with a confined cavity. We investigate the flow of five types of non-Newtonian fluids with distinct rheological properties and water through a planar single-cavity microchannel. All fluids are tested in a similarly wide range of flow rates, from which the observed flow regimes and vortex development are summarized in the same dimensionless parameter spaces for a unified understanding of the effects of fluid inertia, shear thinning, and elasticity as well as confinement. Our results indicate that fluid inertia is responsible for developing vortices in the expansion flow, which is trivially affected by the confinement. Fluid shear thinning causes flow separations on the contraction walls, and the interplay between the effects of shear thinning and inertia is dictated by the confinement. Fluid elasticity introduces instability and asymmetry to the contraction flow of polymers with long chains while suppressing the fluid inertia-induced expansion flow vortices. However, the formation and fluctuation of such elasto-inertial fluid vortices exhibit strong digressions from the unconfined flow pattern in a contraction-expansion microchannel of similar dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmud Kamal Raihan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA; (M.K.R.); (P.P.J.); (S.W.); (J.B.B.)
| | - Purva P. Jagdale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA; (M.K.R.); (P.P.J.); (S.W.); (J.B.B.)
| | - Sen Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA; (M.K.R.); (P.P.J.); (S.W.); (J.B.B.)
- College of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China;
| | - Xingchen Shao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA;
| | - Joshua B. Bostwick
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA; (M.K.R.); (P.P.J.); (S.W.); (J.B.B.)
| | - Xinxiang Pan
- College of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China;
- Maritime College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Xiangchun Xuan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0921, USA; (M.K.R.); (P.P.J.); (S.W.); (J.B.B.)
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Zhukov AA, Pritchard RH, Withers MJ, Hailes T, Gold RD, Hayes C, la Cour MF, Hussein F, Rogers SS. Extremely High-Throughput Parallel Microfluidic Vortex-Actuated Cell Sorting. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:389. [PMID: 33918161 PMCID: PMC8066247 DOI: 10.3390/mi12040389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate extremely high-throughput microfluidic cell sorting by making a parallel version of the vortex-actuated cell sorter (VACS). The set-up includes a parallel microfluidic sorter chip and parallel cytometry instrumentation: optics, electronics and control software. The result is capable of sorting lymphocyte-sized particles at 16 times the rate of our single-stream VACS devices, and approximately 10 times the rate of commercial cell sorters for an equivalent procedure. We believe this opens the potential to scale cell sorting for applications requiring the processing of much greater cell numbers than currently possible with conventional cell sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex A. Zhukov
- Cellular Highways Ltd., Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK;
| | - Robyn H. Pritchard
- TTP PLC, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK; (R.H.P.); (M.J.W.); (T.H.); (R.D.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.l.C.); (F.H.)
| | - Mick J. Withers
- TTP PLC, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK; (R.H.P.); (M.J.W.); (T.H.); (R.D.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.l.C.); (F.H.)
| | - Tony Hailes
- TTP PLC, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK; (R.H.P.); (M.J.W.); (T.H.); (R.D.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.l.C.); (F.H.)
| | - Richard D. Gold
- TTP PLC, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK; (R.H.P.); (M.J.W.); (T.H.); (R.D.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.l.C.); (F.H.)
| | - Calum Hayes
- TTP PLC, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK; (R.H.P.); (M.J.W.); (T.H.); (R.D.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.l.C.); (F.H.)
| | - Mette F. la Cour
- TTP PLC, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK; (R.H.P.); (M.J.W.); (T.H.); (R.D.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.l.C.); (F.H.)
| | - Fred Hussein
- TTP PLC, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK; (R.H.P.); (M.J.W.); (T.H.); (R.D.G.); (C.H.); (M.F.l.C.); (F.H.)
| | - Salman Samson Rogers
- Cellular Highways Ltd., Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK;
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Hashemi Shahraki Z, Navidbakhsh M, Taylor RA. Inertial cell sorting of microparticle-laden flows: An innovative OpenFOAM-based arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian numerical approach. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:014111. [PMID: 33643513 PMCID: PMC7896837 DOI: 10.1063/5.0035352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The need for cell and particle sorting in human health care and biotechnology applications is undeniable. Inertial microfluidics has proven to be an effective cell and particle sorting technology in many of these applications. Still, only a limited understanding of the underlying physics of particle migration is currently available due to the complex inertial and impact forces arising from particle-particle and particle-wall interactions. Thus, even though it would likely enable significant advances in the field, very few studies have tried to simulate particle-laden flows in inertial microfluidic devices. To address this, this study proposes new codes (solved in OpenFOAM software) that capture all the salient inertial forces, including the four-way coupling between the conveying fluid and the suspended particles traveling a spiral microchannel. Additionally, these simulations are relatively (computationally) inexpensive since the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation allows the fluid elements to be much larger than the particles. In this study, simulations were conducted for two different spiral microchannel cross sections (e.g., rectangular and trapezoidal) for comparison against previously published experimental results. The results indicate good agreement with experiments in terms of (monodisperse) particle focusing positions, and the codes can readily be extended to simulate two different particle types. This new numerical approach is significant because it opens the door to rapid geometric and flow rate optimization in order to improve the efficiency and purity of cell and particle sorting in biotechnology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahdi Navidbakhsh
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran 16846, Iran
| | - Robert A Taylor
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Zhou J, Papautsky I. Resolving dynamics of inertial migration in straight and curved microchannels by direct cross-sectional imaging. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:014101. [PMID: 33425090 PMCID: PMC7785325 DOI: 10.1063/5.0032653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The explosive development of inertial microfluidic systems for label-free sorting and isolation of cells demands improved understanding of the underlying physics that dictate the intriguing phenomenon of size-dependent migration in microchannels. Despite recent advances in the physics underlying inertial migration, migration dynamics in 3D is not fully understood. These investigations are hampered by the lack of easy access to the channel cross section. In this work, we report on a simple method of direct imaging of the channel cross section that is orthogonal to the flow direction using a common inverted microscope, providing vital information on the 3D cross-sectional migration dynamics. We use this approach to revisit particle migration in both straight and curved microchannels. In the rectangular channel, the high-resolution cross-sectional images unambiguously confirm the two-stage migration model proposed earlier. In the curved channel, we found two vertical equilibrium positions and elucidate the size-dependent vertical and horizontal migration dynamics. Based on these results, we propose a critical ratio of blockage ratio (β) to Dean number (De) where no net lateral migration occurs (β/De ∼ 0.01). This dimensionless number (β/De) predicts the direction of lateral migration (inward or outward) in curved and spiral channels, and thus serves as a guideline in design of such channels for particle and cell separation applications. Ultimately, the new approach to direct imaging of the channel cross section enables a wealth of previously unavailable information on the dynamics of inertial migration, which serves to improve our understanding of the underlying physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 S. Morgan Street, 218 SEO, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Ian Papautsky
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 S. Morgan Street, 218 SEO, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
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12
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Schaaf C, Stark H. Particle pairs and trains in inertial microfluidics. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2020; 43:50. [PMID: 32743755 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2020-11975-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Staggered and linear multi-particle trains constitute characteristic structures in inertial microfluidics. Using lattice-Boltzmann simulations, we investigate their properties and stability, when flowing through microfluidic channels. We confirm the stability of cross-streamline pairs by showing how they contract or expand to their equilibrium axial distance. In contrast, same-streamline pairs quickly expand to a characteristic separation but even at long times slowly drift apart. We reproduce the distribution of particle distances with its characteristic peak as measured in experiments. Staggered multi-particle trains initialized with an axial particle spacing larger than the equilibrium distance contract non-uniformly due to collective drag reduction. Linear particle trains, similar to pairs, rapidly expand toward a value about twice the equilibrium distance of staggered trains and then very slowly drift apart non-uniformly. Again, we reproduce the statistics of particle distances and the characteristic peak observed in experiments. Finally, we thoroughly analyze the damped displacement pulse traveling as a microfluidic phonon through a staggered train and show how a defect strongly damps its propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schaaf
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Theoretische Physik, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Holger Stark
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Theoretische Physik, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
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Chen H, Li Y, Zhang Z, Wang S. Immunomagnetic separation of circulating tumor cells with microfluidic chips and their clinical applications. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:041502. [PMID: 32849973 PMCID: PMC7440929 DOI: 10.1063/5.0005373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are tumor cells detached from the original lesion and getting into the blood and lymphatic circulation systems. They potentially establish new tumors in remote areas, namely, metastasis. Isolation of CTCs and following biological molecular analysis facilitate investigating cancer and coming out treatment. Since CTCs carry important information on the primary tumor, they are vital in exploring the mechanism of cancer, metastasis, and diagnosis. However, CTCs are very difficult to separate due to their extreme heterogeneity and rarity in blood. Recently, advanced technologies, such as nanosurfaces, quantum dots, and Raman spectroscopy, have been integrated with microfluidic chips. These achievements enable the next generation isolation technologies and subsequent biological analysis of CTCs. In this review, we summarize CTCs' separation with microfluidic chips based on the principle of immunomagnetic isolation of CTCs. Fundamental insights, clinical applications, and potential future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Chen
- School of Mathematics and Physics of Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan 243002, China
| | - Yong Li
- School of Mathematics and Physics of Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan 243002, China
| | - Zhifeng Zhang
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Shuangshou Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan 243002, China
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14
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Razavi Bazaz S, Mashhadian A, Ehsani A, Saha SC, Krüger T, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. Computational inertial microfluidics: a review. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1023-1048. [PMID: 32067001 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc01022j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of inertial focusing in 1961, numerous theories have been put forward to explain the migration of particles in inertial flows, but a complete understanding is still lacking. Recently, computational approaches have been utilized to obtain better insights into the underlying physics. In particular, fundamental aspects of particle focusing inside straight and curved microchannels have been explored in detail to determine the dependence of focusing behavior on particle size, channel shape, and flow Reynolds number. In this review, we differentiate between the models developed for inertial particle motion on the basis of whether they are semi-analytical, Navier-Stokes-based, or built on the lattice Boltzmann method. This review provides a blueprint for the consideration of numerical solutions for modeling of inertial particle motion, whether deformable or rigid, spherical or non-spherical, and whether suspended in Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluids. In each section, we provide the general equations used to solve particle motion, followed by a tutorial appendix and specified sections to engage the reader with details of the numerical studies. Finally, we address the challenges ahead in the modeling of inertial particle microfluidics for future investigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Razavi Bazaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia.
| | - Ali Mashhadian
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Ehsani
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Suvash Chandra Saha
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Timm Krüger
- School of Engineering, Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia. and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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15
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Ahmed H, Ramesan S, Lee L, Rezk AR, Yeo LY. On-Chip Generation of Vortical Flows for Microfluidic Centrifugation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1903605. [PMID: 31535785 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microcentrifugation constitutes an important part of the microfluidic toolkit in a similar way that centrifugation is crucial to many macroscopic procedures, given that micromixing, sample preconcentration, particle separation, component fractionation, and cell agglomeration are essential operations in small scale processes. Yet, the dominance of capillary and viscous effects, which typically tend to retard flow, over inertial and gravitational forces, which are often useful for actuating flows and hence centrifugation, at microscopic scales makes it difficult to generate rotational flows at these dimensions, let alone with sufficient vorticity to support efficient mixing, separation, concentration, or aggregation. Herein, the various technologies-both passive and active-that have been developed to date for vortex generation in microfluidic devices are reviewed. Various advantages or limitations associated with each are outlined, in addition to highlighting the challenges that need to be overcome for their incorporation into integrated microfluidic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Ahmed
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Shwathy Ramesan
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Lillian Lee
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Amgad R Rezk
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Leslie Y Yeo
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
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16
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Zhou J, Mukherjee P, Gao H, Luan Q, Papautsky I. Label-free microfluidic sorting of microparticles. APL Bioeng 2019; 3:041504. [PMID: 31832577 PMCID: PMC6906121 DOI: 10.1063/1.5120501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Massive growth of the microfluidics field has triggered numerous advances in focusing, separating, ordering, concentrating, and mixing of microparticles. Microfluidic systems capable of performing these functions are rapidly finding applications in industrial, environmental, and biomedical fields. Passive and label-free methods are one of the major categories of such systems that have received enormous attention owing to device operational simplicity and low costs. With new platforms continuously being proposed, our aim here is to provide an updated overview of the state of the art for passive label-free microparticle separation, with emphasis on performance and operational conditions. In addition to the now common separation approaches using Newtonian flows, such as deterministic lateral displacement, pinched flow fractionation, cross-flow filtration, hydrodynamic filtration, and inertial microfluidics, we also discuss separation approaches using non-Newtonian, viscoelastic flow. We then highlight the newly emerging approach based on shear-induced diffusion, which enables direct processing of complex samples such as untreated whole blood. Finally, we hope that an improved understanding of label-free passive sorting approaches can lead to sophisticated and useful platforms toward automation in industrial, environmental, and biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Prithviraj Mukherjee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Hua Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Qiyue Luan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Ian Papautsky
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
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17
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Pritchard RH, Zhukov AA, Fullerton JN, Want AJ, Hussain F, la Cour MF, Bashtanov ME, Gold RD, Hailes A, Banham-Hall E, Rogers SS. Cell sorting actuated by a microfluidic inertial vortex. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:2456-2465. [PMID: 31210196 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00120d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The sorting of specific cell populations is an established tool in biological research, with new applications demanding greater cell throughput, sterility and elimination of cross-contamination. Here we report 'vortex-actuated cell sorting' (VACS), a new technique that deflects cells individually, via the generation of a transient microfluidic vortex by a thermal vapour bubble: a novel mechanism, which is able to sort cells based on fluorescently-labelled molecular markers. Using in silico simulation and experiments on beads, an immortal cell line and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), we demonstrate high-purity and high-recovery sorting with input rates up to 104 cells per s and switching speeds comparable to existing techniques (>40 kHz). A tiny footprint (1 × 0.25 mm) affords miniaturization and the potential to achieve multiplexing: a crucial step in increasing processing rate. Simple construction using biocompatible materials potentially minimizes cost of fabrication and permits single-use sterile cartridges. We believe VACS potentially enables parallel sorting at throughputs relevant to cell therapy, liquid biopsy and phenotypic screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn H Pritchard
- TTP PLC, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Cambridgeshire SG8 6EE, UK.
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18
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Dalili A, Samiei E, Hoorfar M. A review of sorting, separation and isolation of cells and microbeads for biomedical applications: microfluidic approaches. Analyst 2019; 144:87-113. [DOI: 10.1039/c8an01061g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We have reviewed the microfluidic approaches for cell/particle isolation and sorting, and extensively explained the mechanism behind each method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Dalili
- The University of British
- School of Engineering
- Kelowna
- Canada V1 V 1 V7
| | - Ehsan Samiei
- University of Victoria
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Victoria
- Canada
| | - Mina Hoorfar
- The University of British
- School of Engineering
- Kelowna
- Canada V1 V 1 V7
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19
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Zhou J, Kulasinghe A, Bogseth A, O’Byrne K, Punyadeera C, Papautsky I. Isolation of circulating tumor cells in non-small-cell-lung-cancer patients using a multi-flow microfluidic channel. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2019; 5:8. [PMID: 31057935 PMCID: PMC6387977 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-019-0045-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) carry a wealth of information on primary and metastatic tumors critical for precise cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment. Numerous microfluidic platforms have been developed in the past few years to capture these rare cells in patient bloodstream for deciphering the critical information needed. However, the practical need for a high-quality method of CTC isolation remains to be met. Herein, we demonstrate a novel multi-flow microfluidic device that is able to sensitively provide high purity (>87%) of separation outcome without labeling. Our device is constructed and configured based on the phenomenal effect of size-dependent inertial migration. The recovery rate of >93% has been achieved using spiked cancer cells at clinically relevant concentrations (10 cells per 5 mL and above). We have also successfully detected CTCs from 6 out of 8 non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC) patients, while none for 5 healthy control subjects. With these results, we envision our approach is a promising alternative for reliable CTC capture, and thus for facilitating the progress of extracting information from CTCs to personalize treatment strategies for solid tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Amanda Bogseth
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
| | - Ken O’Byrne
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD Australia
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Ian Papautsky
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
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20
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Ren X, Foster BM, Ghassemi P, Strobl JS, Kerr BA, Agah M. Entrapment of Prostate Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells with a Sequential Size-Based Microfluidic Chip. Anal Chem 2018; 90:7526-7534. [PMID: 29790741 PMCID: PMC6830444 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b01134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are broadly accepted as an indicator for early cancer diagnosis and disease severity. However, there is currently no reliable method available to capture and enumerate all CTCs as most systems require either an initial CTC isolation or antibody-based capture for CTC enumeration. Many size-based CTC detection and isolation microfluidic platforms have been presented in the past few years. Here we describe a new size-based, multiple-row cancer cell entrapment device that captured LNCaP-C4-2 prostate cancer cells with >95% efficiency when in spiked mouse whole blood at ∼50 cells/mL. The capture ratio and capture limit on each row was optimized and it was determined that trapping chambers with five or six rows of micro constriction channels were needed to attain a capture ratio >95%. The device was operated under a constant pressure mode at the inlet for blood samples which created a uniform pressure differential across all the microchannels in this array. When the cancer cells deformed in the constriction channel, the blood flow temporarily slowed down. Once inside the trapping chamber, the cancer cells recovered their original shape after the deformation created by their passage through the constriction channel. The CTCs reached the cavity region of the trapping chamber, such that the blood flow in the constriction channel resumed. On the basis of this principle, the CTCs will be captured by this high-throughput entrapment chip (CTC-HTECH), thus confirming the potential for our CTC-HTECH to be used for early stage CTC enrichment and entrapment for clinical diagnosis using liquid biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ren
- The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Brittni M. Foster
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States
| | - Parham Ghassemi
- The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Jeannine S. Strobl
- The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Bethany A. Kerr
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, United States
| | - Masoud Agah
- The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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