Abstract
Fluorescence-activated droplet sorting (FADS) is one of the most important features provided by droplet-based microfluidics. However, to date, it does not allow to compete with the high-throughput multiplexed sorting capabilities offered by flow cytometery. Here, we demonstrate the use of a dielectrophoretic-based FADS, allowing to sort up to five different droplet populations simultaneously. Our system provides means to select droplets of different phenotypes in a single experimental run to separate initially heterogeneous populations. Our experimental results are rationalized with the help of a numerical model of the actuation of droplets in electric fields providing guidelines for the prediction of sorting designs for upscaled or downscaled microsystems.
Highlights
Fluorescence-based cell sorting is essential in numerous biological assays requiring high-throughput analysis and sorting of single cells
Microfluidic devices preparation The following protocol is similar to the one we previously described in ref 47
An additional hydrophobic surface coating was applied to the microfluidic channel walls by injecting the completed device with Aquapel glass treatment (PPG Industries) and purging the liquid with nitrogen gas
Summary
Fluorescence-based cell sorting is essential in numerous biological assays requiring high-throughput analysis and sorting of single cells. The gold standard technology for this purpose is fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)[1]. A main drawback of FACS is that it cannot support real-time analysis of single cell or integration of complex assays involving single-cell manipulation, treatment, and final detection[2]. It is not compatible with the analysis of small cell populations (< 105 cells[3]). Compared with FACS, fluorescence-based cell sorting microsystems allow to reduce sample amounts to eliminate potentially biohazardous aerosols[4] and to implement complex assays. A large variety of such microdevices has been developed in recent years, based on different physical mechanisms such as optical manipulation[5], mechanical systems[6], acoustophoresis[7], and electrokinetics[8]
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