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Microfluidic cell counter/sorter utilizing multiple particle tracing technique and optically switching approach

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Abstract

This paper proposes a novel microfluidic system based on a computer controlled digital image processing (DIP) technique and optical tweezers for automatic cell/microparticle recognition, counting and sorting in a continuous flow environment. In the proposed system, the cells/microparticles are focused electrokinetically into a narrow sample stream and are then driven through the region of interest (ROI), where they are recognized and traced in real time using a proprietary DIP system. Synchronized control signals generated by the DIP system are then used to actuate a focused IR laser beam to displace the target cells from the main sample stream into a neighboring sheath flow, which carries them to a downstream collection channel where they are automatically counted. Experimental trials show that the microchip is capable of continuously sorting and counting microparticles with diameters of 5 and 10 μm. In addition, a sample composed of yeast cells and polystyrene (PS) beads is successfully sorted and collected with a 100% of yield ratio and 91.9% of recovery ratio. The proposed system provides a simple, low-cost, high-performance solution for cell manipulation in microfluidic devices.

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Abbreviations

\( \overline{V} \) :

particle velocity within the electric-driven flow (pixel/s)

\( \overline{u} \) :

particle velocity in the x-axis direction within the electric-driven flow (pixel/s)

\( \overline{v} \) :

particle velocity in the y-axis direction within the electric-driven flow (pixel/s)

P :

particle position (pixel)

t :

time (s)

Δt :

time interval between two consequent image frame (s)

η :

viscosity of the buffer liquid (N·s/m2)

v :

fluid velocity of the electric-driven flow (m/s)

r :

radius of particle

BOE:

buffered oxide etchant

CCD:

charge coupled device

DI:

deionized water

DIP:

digital image processing

FACS:

fluorescence-activated cell sorters

HCL:

hydrogen chloride

HMI:

human–machine interface

IR:

infrared

LIF:

laser induced fluorescence

MEMS:

micro-electro-mechanical-systems

mM:

millimolar

N.A.:

numerical aperture

PC:

personal computer

ROI:

region of interest

V:

volt

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Acknowledgment

Financial supports from the National Science Council of Taiwan are acknowledged. (NSC 95-2314-B-110-002-MY3).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Electro-mechanical Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Chen-Chen Lin & Che-Hsin Lin

  2. Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Angela Chen

  3. Advanced Crystal Opto-electronics Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Che-Hsin Lin

Authors
  1. Chen-Chen Lin
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  2. Angela Chen
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  3. Che-Hsin Lin
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Correspondence to Che-Hsin Lin.

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Lin, CC., Chen, A. & Lin, CH. Microfluidic cell counter/sorter utilizing multiple particle tracing technique and optically switching approach. Biomed Microdevices 10, 55–63 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10544-007-9109-8

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