High-throughput size based rare cell isolation using microscale vortices

Detection and isolation of rare cells from heterogeneous samples is in high demand in the fields of biology, immunology, tissue engineering and medicine. We developed a novel microfluidic device, allowing high-throughput and label-free rare cell isolation and enrichment from heterogeneous solution based on cell size. Utilizing microscale vortices, larger cancer cells spiked in blood were separated from the sample without the aid of mechanical structures or external forces. Highly viable samples collected off-chip suggest that the proposed technique would be useful for clinical and research application in which in vitro culture is often desired.