Application Cases

Cell sorting plays a crucial role in analytical chemistry and biomedical fields. Among various sorting methods, microfluidic-based sorting has gained significant research attention due to its advantages, such as fast response time and minimal sample requirements. A novel cell sorting method based on microstructure filtration and dielectrophoresis (DEP) effects has been developed. This approach partially mitigates the drawbacks of single sorting methods and holds promise for addressing the common clogging issues associated with microstructure filtration.

Aigtek's ATA-7000 and ATA-2000 high-voltage amplifier series are capable of amplifying voltage signals of arbitrary waveforms, meeting the testing requirements for different waveforms in experiments. With a maximum output voltage of up to 40 kVpp, these amplifiers can accommodate the testing needs of most microfluidic chips available on the market.

Experiment Name:
Research on Microfluidic Chips and Sorting Methods for Cell Sorting Based on Microstructure Filtration and Dielectrophoresis Effects

Experimental Principle:
Microelectrodes are integrated into the microstructure filtration region. By adjusting the geometric parameters of the filtration structures and the parameters of the applied AC signal, a negative dielectrophoresis effect is induced, which drives cells toward regions of lower electric field strength. This mechanism helps prevent clogging of the filtration pores by the target cells.

Experimental Block Diagram:

Experimental Setup Photo:

Experimental Procedure:
First, BG11 culture medium without cells is loaded into the chip inlet. Due to capillary action and hydrophilicity, the buffer quickly fills all chip channels. A peristaltic pump is activated and set to a flow rate of 1 µL/min for 5 minutes. A pipette is used to aspirate 50 µL of the experimental sample, which is then loaded into the chip inlet. Under the negative pressure induced by the peristaltic pump, the sample flows toward the chip outlet. A signal generator and the ATA-2042 high-voltage amplifier are turned on to apply an AC signal to the ITO electrodes. The signal frequency and amplitude are adjusted to optimize sorting efficiency. By gradually increasing the voltage, cells can be observed to experience a noticeable attraction from the electric field force. Under a microscope, live and dead cells are seen to be separated and sorted within the channels.

Application Areas:Biomedical field

Application Scenarios:
Drug purification, drug toxicity testing, live/dead cell sorting, microfluidic chip structure testing

Product Recommendations:
ATA-2000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier, ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier

Figure: ATA-2000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier Specifications

Figure: ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier Specifications

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