Cell measurement by using a flow cytometry chip with a twisted micro-sheath flow channel

Abstract

We have developed an integrated flow cytometry chip, which comprises a pre-treatment part and a sheath flow-forming part with a twisted microchannel structure, for continuous monitoring of bacteria in drinking water. Due to its unique elastic properties, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used to fabricate the twisted microchannel that forms the sheath flow, which is a three-dimensional focusing flow. Cells from a human lung cancer cell line were stained in the pre-treatment part and the fluorescence of the stained cells was successfully detected at the sheath flow-forming part. With no dead volume between the two parts, the transfer time was nearly zero, and only 30 μl of sample fluid and approximately 6 μl of reagent were required.