Secondary-flow-induced label-free continuous cell sorting using antibody-immobilized micro oblique grooves

A new label-free continuous cell sorting method has been developed for accurate extraction of rare cell. The sorting mechanism is based on antigen-antibody interaction and the secondary flow induced by oblique micro grooves on the channel surface. Specific adhesion between the cell membrane and the wall surface keep the target cells rolling on the wall, while the lateral flow along the groove induces cross-flow displacement of the target cell. Successful separation of cell models and human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) fully supports the proposed mechanism.