Biomicrofluidics. 2010 Jun 24;4(2):024112. doi: 10.1063/1.3454767.
This study reports an integrated microfluidic system capable of isolation, counting, and sorting of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from cord blood in an automatic format by utilizing a magnetic-bead-based immunoassay. Three functional modules, including cell isolation, cell counting, and cell sorting modules are integrated on a single chip by using microfluidic technology. The cell isolation module is comprised of a four-membrane-type micromixer for binding of target stem cells and magnetic beads, two pneumatic micropumps for sample transport, and an S-shaped channel for isolation of HSCs using a permanent magnet underneath. The counting and sorting of HSCs are performed by utilizing the cell counting and sorting modules. Experimental results show that a separation efficiency as high as 88% for HSCs from cord blood is achieved within 40 min for a sample volume of 100 mul. Therefore, the development of this integrated microfluidic system may be promising for various applications such as stem cell research and cell therapy.
本研究报告了一种集成微流控系统，该系统能够通过基于磁珠的免疫测定法自动分离、计数和分选脐带血中的造血干细胞（HSCs）。通过微流控技术，三个功能模块，包括细胞分离、细胞计数和细胞分选模块，集成在单个芯片上。细胞分离模块由用于结合靶干细胞和磁性珠的四膜型微混合器、两个用于样品输送的气动微泵和一个 S 形通道组成，利用下方的永磁体分离 HSCs。HSCs 的计数和分选通过利用细胞计数和分选模块来完成。实验结果表明，对于 100 μl 体积的样品，从脐带血中分离 HSCs 的效率高达 88%，耗时 40 分钟。因此，这种集成微流控系统的发展可能在干细胞研究和细胞治疗等各种应用中具有广阔的前景。
