Abstract
We present a method to efficiently trap circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in human blood samples by using a microfluidic device with a short cell traveling length. This device consists of a wide channel separated into three parallel parts by two linear arrays of micro-columns. Flow-derivation microstructures are patterned on both up- and down-side walls of the center part of the channel, forcing the cells to encounter the narrowly spaced micro-columns and then be trapped with the help of specified immunological interaction. Both theoretical and experimental data confirmed the reliability of this concept. By using human umbilical cord blood-derived EPCs spiked into a buffer solution or a blood sample, we demonstrate a capture rate of more than 50% for a traveling length of only 1 cm, which is clearly advantageous in terms of cell trapping efficiency and image processing speed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 262-266 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Microelectronic Engineering |
Volume | 111 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Endothelial progenitor cells
- Microdevices
- Rare cell trapping