Label-Free Continuous Micro Cell Sorter with Antibody-Immobilized Oblique Grooves

We report development of a novel label-free continuous cell separation method for the extraction of rare cells from a limited amount of sample. The separation method is based on specific adhesion between target cells and antibody immobilized on oblique micro grooves etched into the channel wall. Due to asymmetric adhesive force, cross-flow displacement of the target cells is induced. Label-free lateral separation of micro beads as the cell model has been successfully achieved. Cross-flow displacement of human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with the CD31 antibody is also demonstrated.