Acoustic-assisted centrifugal microfluidics for particle/cell separation

Abstract

The process of microparticle manipulation using acoustic waves within microfluidic devices is called acoustophoresis. This research focuses on a new approach for concentrating and categorizing microparticles using an integrated acoustic centrifugal microfluidic system with standing surface acoustic waves (SSAWs) and centrifugal forces. The study employs a rectangular microchannel with multiple inlets and outlets placed on an electrified lab-on-a-disc (eLOD) device subjected to SSAWs, guiding microparticles radially. Various physical parameters such as distance from the center of rotation, lateral displacement, tilting angle, microchannel dimensions, microparticle size, disc rotation speed, and applied voltage to the piezoelectric were simulated to assess microparticle focusing. The results indicate that adjusting lateral displacement and tilting angle can direct microparticles toward desired outlets. Enhanced focusing is achievable at low rotation speeds with higher applied voltage and narrower microchannel widths. The system's potential for classifying circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) based on volume and density differences was also demonstrated. This acoustic eLOD device offers an efficient means for manipulating micro- and bioparticles.