Publication

A Versatile, Low-Cost, Multiway Microfluidic Sorter for Droplets, Cells, and Embryos

Christoph Merten
2018
Article
Résumé

Partitioning and sorting particles, including molecules, cells and organisms, is an essential prerequisite for a diverse range of applications. Here, we describe a very economical microfluidic platform (built from parts costing about U.S. 6800forastandalonesystemorU.S.6800 for a stand-alone system or U.S. 3700, when mounted on an existing fluorescence microscope connected to a computer) to sort droplets, cells and embryos, based on imaging data. Valves operated by a Braille display are used to open and close microfluidic channels, enabling sorting at rates of >2 Hz. Furthermore, we show microfluidic 8-way sorting for the first time, facilitating the simultaneous separation and collection of objects with diverse characteristics/phenotypes. Due to the high flexibility in the size of objects that can be sorted, the low cost, and the many possibilities enabled by imaging technology, we believe that our approach nicely complements existing FACS and μFACS technology.

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Concepts associés (22)
Droplet-based microfluidics
Droplet-based microfluidics manipulate discrete volumes of fluids in immiscible phases with low Reynolds number and laminar flow regimes. Interest in droplet-based microfluidics systems has been growing substantially in past decades. Microdroplets offer the feasibility of handling miniature volumes (μl to fl) of fluids conveniently, provide better mixing, encapsulation, sorting, sensing and are suitable for high throughput experiments.
Organ-on-a-chip
An organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is a multi-channel 3-D microfluidic cell culture, integrated circuit (chip) that simulates the activities, mechanics and physiological response of an entire organ or an organ system. It constitutes the subject matter of significant biomedical engineering research, more precisely in bio-MEMS. The convergence of labs-on-chips (LOCs) and cell biology has permitted the study of human physiology in an organ-specific context.
Paper-based microfluidics
Paper-based microfluidics are microfluidic devices that consist of a series of hydrophilic cellulose or nitrocellulose fibers that transport fluid from an inlet through the porous medium to a desired outlet or region of the device, by means of capillary action. This technology builds on the conventional lateral flow test which is capable of detecting many infectious agents and chemical contaminants. The main advantage of this is that it is largely a passively controlled device unlike more complex microfluidic devices.
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