Kim M.C., Wang Z.H., Lam R.H.W., Thorsen T.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US
Keywords: cell, microfluidics, simulation, trajectory
We have developed a Bio-Particle (BP) simulation technique for the general particle movement in Lab-On-A-Chip devices. This has also been validated with experiments on biological cells (3T3 cell; diameter 10 μm). The cell motion under steady flow was calculated by applying the one-way coupled Lagrangian method. Each cell was assumed to be a solid sphere with adjustable elasticity, while the physical interactions between cells and device structures were also considered, particularly when cells sediment in the U-type sieve structures. The BP technique was further applied in the performance analysis of three types of cell trapping structures: C-shaped, Flat-type and U-type sieves. By locating sieves with different configurations in a microchamber (400 μm diameter), the number of cells trapped can be estimated by simulation. Our simulation predicted that the U-type sieves would obtain an even distribution and a more consistent saturated cell population. Experiments indicate a good agreement with such prediction. The experiments were conducted by seeding biological cells along a microfluidic channel containing multiple cell-trapping chambers. Thereby, the BP technique was successfully applied to obtain an optimized structure of the sieve-type cell trapping chamber.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 356 - 358
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 1-4200-6184-4