An Integrated Microfabricated Cell Sorter

TLDR

The integrated microfabricated cell sorter, fabricated by multilayer soft lithography, incorporates peristaltic pumps, dampers, switch valves, input/output wells, and algorithms for cell trapping, enabling active valve volumes as small as 1 pL and optical interrogation volumes of ~100 fL. The device successfully sorts and recovers Escherichia coli cells on chip.

Abstract

We have developed an integrated microfabricated cell sorter using multilayer soft lithography. This integrated cell sorter is incorporated with various microfluidic functionalities, including peristaltic pumps, dampers, switch valves, and input and output wells, to perform cell sorting in a coordinated and automated fashion. The active volume of an actuated valve on this integrated cell sorter can be as small as 1 pL, and the volume of optical interrogation is ∼100 fL. Different algorithms of cell manipulation, including cell trapping, were implemented in these devices. We have also demonstrated sorting and recovery of Escherichia coli cells on the chip.