Cell sorting actuated by a microfluidic inertial vortex. Issue 14 (18th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pritchard, Robyn H.; Zhukov, Alexander A.; Fullerton, James N.; Want, Andrew J.; Hussain, Fred; la Cour, Mette F.; Bashtanov, Mikhail E.; Gold, Richard D.; Hailes, Anthony; Banham-Hall, Edward; Rogers, Salman Samson
• Is Part Of: Lab on a chip. Volume 19:Issue 14(2019)
• Page Start: 2456
• Page End: 2465
• Publication Date: 2019-06-18
• Subjects: Miniature electronic equipment -- Periodicals; Combinatorial chemistry -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 543.0813
• DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00120d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-0197

Abstract

Abstract : Vortex-actuated cell sorting: a new cell sorter, based on a transient microfluidic vortex generated by a thermal vapour bubble. 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 10 4 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.