Microfluidic chip for continuous separation of microparticles from solution

Sorting and separation of micro-scale particles is an important problem, particularly in the areas of cell cytometry and purification. A number of sorting technologies exist, with most devices utilizing optical (fluorescence-based) or electrical characterization, combined with complex fluidic systems, for separation and capture. However, these technologies are typically large, expensive. and require a great deal of maintenance. Continuous-flow magnetic-activated separation is a promising alternative, but suffers from limitations such as prolonged off-chip incubation times and complex fabrication of on-chip magnets. The technology is a microfluidic chip, which combines flow with active magnetic control to manipulate and separate microparticulates, particularly cells from solution.

Magnetic-activated separation is simpler, cheaper, and more efficient than fluorescence-based sortingMagnetic-activated separation is less harmful to cell viability than fluorescence or electrical separation methodsCombining incubation and separation on a single microfluidic chip eliminates time consuming and labor intensive off-chip incubationIntegrated design allows fully automated separation of microparticles Microfluidic chip may be fabricated with a straightforward one-mask soft-lithography processPatent Information:Patent Pending (US 20160146797)Patent Issued (US 9,090,663) Tech Ventures Reference: IR M09-068

Automated cell sorting and purificationSorting of particles coated with biomolecules such as antigens, antibodies, or DNAClinical diagnostics

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USA