TAPERED ANGLE MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR CELL SEPARATION USING HYDRODYNAMIC PRINCIPLE

Cell sorting is an essential technique used in a wide range of research, diagnostic, and therapeutic sectors. Fluorescence-activated cell (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), and CellSearch, which conventional techniques, possess inherent limitations. For instance, utilization of EpCam was ineffective in identifying specific malignancies. Cell sorting techniques have undergone significant advancements, microfluidics being one of them. Regrettably, the current devices from issues such as clogging and necessitate a lengthy main channel. Therefore, the goal of this work is to build and improve a microfluidic with a tapered angle. There are three designs presented, each with inlet, at least two exits, one focusing zone, and one tapering region. the finite element simulation software COMSOL Multiphysics, two studies undertaken, the first examining the effect of taper angle on separation, and the second analyzing the effect of flow rate on separation. Based on the hydrodynamic theory and sedimentation process, this design allows particles to separate. When the taper approached 20 degrees, a mixture of 3 mu m and 10 mu m polystyrene microbeads were successfully separated, and separation continued the taper angle approached 89 degrees. This technology offers label -free, and continuous separation of many particles in a self-contained device without the use of bulky gear.