Issue 4, 2010

Rapid cellextraction in aqueous two-phase microdroplet systems

Abstract

Distinguishing specific cells is an essential technique in cell research and clinical diagnostics. We report a novel method to passively isolate and extract cells in a microfluidic device. We utilise a droplet-based microfluidic system to generate an aqueous two phase system in which aqueous droplets consist of two phases in the form of a double emulsion. Specifically, we generate PEG droplets that completely encapsulate DEX droplets within a microfluidic channel. Target cells can be introduced directly into the droplets and driven to partition to the more favourable phase, whilst still being contained within the aqueous droplet. Human T lymphoma cells, with diameters in the range of 10–15 μm, are chosen as a model cell line to demonstrate the partitioning.

Graphical abstract: Rapid cell extraction in aqueous two-phase microdroplet systems

Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
16 Apr 2010
Accepted
29 Jun 2010
First published
11 Aug 2010

Chem. Sci., 2010,1, 447-452

Rapid cell extraction in aqueous two-phase microdroplet systems

K. Vijayakumar, S. Gulati, A. J. deMello and J. B. Edel, Chem. Sci., 2010, 1, 447 DOI: 10.1039/C0SC00229A

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