Terahertz flow cytometric sensor and its detection method for label-free detection of single or a small number of living cells

Abstract

The invention discloses a terahertz flow cytometry sensor for label-free detection of single or small quantity of living cells and a detection method of the terahertz flow cytometry sensor. The sensor comprises a cell microdroplet preparation module, a microfluid detection passage and a THz detection module. The cell microdroplet preparation module comprises at least one microfluid tube cavity which comprises an inlet passage a and two inlet passages b, the inlet passage a is used for transferring cell suspension, the two inlet passages b are used for transferring an OCA (optical clearing agent) and in symmetrical linkage with the inlet passage a, and an outlet passage d used for transferring cell microdroplets is connected at the joint of the three inlet passages. The THz detection module comprises at least one detection groove identical to the microfluid detection passage in size, and the outlet passage d is connected with the detection groove through the microfluid detection passage. By the terahertz flow cytometry sensor, the single or small quantity of living cells can be uniformly wrapped in the OCA to form independent 'cell microdroplets' sequentially passing a THz detection position, so that label-free detection of the single or small quantity of living cells is realized.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of sensors, and in particular relates to a terahertz flow cytometry sensor for label-free detection of a single or a small number of living cells and a detection method thereof. Background technique [0002] The analysis of the structure and function of living cells is one of the core issues in the field of biomedicine today. From the morphological structure of cells to the quality and quantity of intracellular biological macromolecules, the detection of relevant information of living cells is the basis for revealing the pathophysiological processes of higher life levels such as tissues and organs. It has been widely used in early diagnosis of tumors, Various research fields such as classification of blood system diseases. According to whether markers are used in the detection process, live cell detection can be divided into labeled detection represented by traditional cytochemical staining, molecular tomog...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0011] For problem 1: Since OCA is mostly an organic solvent, it is difficult for hydrophilic cells to disperse directly in OCA, and it can only be made into an emulsion for detection. However, the traditional method of stirring and shaking cannot achieve a single or uniform wrapping of a small number of cells;

[0012] For problem 2: Microfluidic technology can be used to allow OCA to wrap cells to form "cell droplets" to pass through the THz detection site, but it is difficult to ensure that only one "cell droplet" passes through the detection site for each detection

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