Rapid cell extraction in aqueous two-phase microdroplet systems

Authors

Kalpana Vijayakumar, Imperial College London
Shelly Gulati, Imperial College LondonFollow
Andrew J. de Mello, Imperial College LondonFollow
Joshua B. Edel, Imperial College LondonFollow

Department

Bioengineering

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Chemical Science

ISSN

2041-6520

Volume

1

Issue

4

DOI

10.1039/C0SC00229A

First Page

447

Last Page

452

Publication Date

8-11-2010

Abstract

Distinguishing specific cells is an essential technique in cell research and clinical diagnostics. We report a novel method to passively isolate and extract cells in a microfluidic device. We utilise a droplet-based microfluidic system to generate an aqueous two phase system in which aqueous droplets consist of two phases in the form of a double emulsion. Specifically, we generate PEG droplets that completely encapsulate DEX droplets within a microfluidic channel. Target cells can be introduced directly into the droplets and driven to partition to the more favourable phase, whilst still being contained within the aqueous droplet. Human T lymphoma cells, with diameters in the range of 10–15 μm, are chosen as a model cell line to demonstrate the partitioning.

Recommended Citation

Vijayakumar, K., Gulati, S., de Mello, A. J., & Edel, J. B. (2010). Rapid cell extraction in aqueous two-phase microdroplet systems. Chemical Science, 1(4), 447–452. DOI: 10.1039/C0SC00229A
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/soecs-facarticles/46