Figure 1
From: Clog-free high-throughput microfluidic cell isolation with multifunctional microposts
Particle movement within the microfluidic device (Design-I). (a) Particle movement around a micropost showing the motion of particles based on their size through the microfluidic channel (CTC: circulating tumor cell (larger particle in green); RBC: red blood cell (smaller particle in red)). (b) Top view microscopic image showing the array design with paired and a trajectory of smaller particles through the 14 µm by-passing zone and 7 µm particle capture zone. (c) Velocity profile computational simulation (COMSOL software) of Design-I indicating high velocity (red) around the curvature and at the point where they collide. Low velocity (dark blue) is noted around the 7 µm capture site for the particle to safely rest once isolated. (d) Magnified view of the focused window of (c) showing the velocity profile at the separation zone. The sample is at high velocity due to presence of denser particles (sample flowing around the curvature), and buffer through the capture site channel has lower velocity. (e) A particle movement scheme in the microfluidic channels based on particle sizes (CTC: large; RBC: small) in the magnified rectangular region of (c).
