Microfluidic Cell Sorting via MEMS Force Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mechanical phenotyping of cells, such as Atomic Force Microscopy, are limited by slow detection speeds, allowing for analysis of only a small subset of cells per day, whereas techniques like Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting provide rapid population statistics but lack quantitative mechanical data.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic platform, Mechanical Profiling and Sorting (MaPS), integrates a microfluidic network with an in situ mechanical probe and sensor for direct measurement of cell elastic modulus, enabling rapid quantitative analysis of large cell populations by flowing cells past a MEMS-based force probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Atomic Force Microscopy is used for mechanical phenotyping, then measurement precision of cell modulus is improved, but productivity is worsened due to slow detection speeds limiting analysis to less than 100 cells/day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell population into individual cells that pass through the microfluidic channel one by one, allowing each cell to be mechanically probed independently by the AFM cantilever. This segmentation enables systematic high-throughput analysis while maintaining individual cell measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional manual or low-speed mechanical probing system with an automated microfluidic-based AFM system that uses a cantilever to mechanically probe cells as they flow through the channel. This substitution enables rapid sequential measurement of many cells while maintaining quantitative mechanical data collection.
2Productivity
If Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting is used for cell characterization, then productivity is improved with detection rates of 10^4 cells per second, but measurement precision of mechanical properties is worsened as it only provides population statistics without quantitative mechanical data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high-speed cell delivery capability of microfluidics with the quantitative mechanical measurement capability of AFM. The microfluidic channel delivers cells at high speed to the AFM cantilever probe, combining the throughput advantage of flow-based systems with the measurement precision of mechanical probing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform that can perform both high-throughput cell delivery and quantitative mechanical phenotyping in a single integrated system. The device can analyze various cell types and provide comprehensive mechanical data including elastic modulus, making it applicable to multiple research and diagnostic scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
MaPS enables high-throughput mechanical phenotyping of cells, allowing for the rapid evaluation of cell mechanical properties and potential cancer treatment efficacy, with the ability to sort cells based on deformability, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillating element on a first side of the channel... wherein the detecting element is configured to detect a force transmitted through a cell or microparticle by the oscillating element
Implementation Method 2
the detecting element is configured to detect a force transmitted through a cell or microparticle by the oscillating element
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides methods and devices for the high-throughput characterization of the mechanical properties of cells or particles. In certain embodiments the devices comprise a micro fluidic channel comprising: an oscillating element on a first side of said channel; and a detecting element on a second side of said channel opposite said oscillating element, wherein said detecting element is configured to detect a force transmitted through a cell or microparticle by said oscillating element. In certain embodiments the devices comprise a microfluidic channel comprising an integrated oscillator and sensor element on one first side of said channel, wherein said sensor is configured to detect a force transmitted through a cell or microparticle by said oscillator.