Performance optimization of a DLD microfluidic device for separating deformable CTCs.

Deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) microfluidic devices work based on the streamlines created by an array of micro-posts. The configuration of pillars alters the isolation efficiency of these devices. The present paper optimizes the performance of a DLD device for isolating deformable circulating tumor cells.

Deformability-Based Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells in Spiral Microchannels.

The isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their analysis are crucial for the preliminary identification of invasive cancer. One of the effective properties that can be utilized to isolate CTCs is their deformability. In this paper, inertial-based spiral microchannels with various numbers of loops are employed to sort deformable CTCs using the finite element method (FEM) and an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) approach.

Active cell capturing for organ-on-a-chip systems: a review.

Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an emerging technology that has been proposed as a new powerful cell-based tool to imitate the pathophysiological environment of human organs. For most OOC systems, a pivotal step is to culture cells in microfluidic devices. In active cell capturing techniques, external actuators, such as electrokinetic, magnetic, acoustic, and optical forces, or a combination of these forces, can be applied to trap cells after ejecting cell suspension into the microchannel inlet.