Particle and cell sorting chips enable to separate cells, analyze them and optionally sort and collect the relevant cells. This can be done with basic set-ups on a microscope stage or with complete instruments. All the chips shown here can be visualized on a standard microscope. Preferably fluids are introduced with syringe pumps showing extremely low pulsation.
Sheath Flow
The particle sorting chips applying a sheath flow should be used with pulsation free syringe pumps. Velocity of the sheath flow should be significantly higher than the one of the sample stream and two streams entering through side-channels provide a sheath flow. The sorting can be done either by applying positive or negative pressure via the sampling channels at the end of the main channel. Five outlet channels with two junctions for sorting give the option to collect at two different locations target cells.
Spiral Sorter
Spirales can be used to separate particles according to their size due to the so-called Dean forces. Channel dimension, number of spirales and diameter of the curvature influence the sorting effect. The sample is introduced through a central inlet and fractions with particles of different size can be received at the different outlet ports.