Continuous sorting of heterogeneous-sized embryoid bodies

Abstract

This paper presents a microfluidic device for sorting embryoid bodies (EBs) with large dynamic size ranges up to 300 µm. The proposed separation scheme utilizes appropriately spaced pillars within a microchannel to alter the fluid flow pathway, thus allowing particles of defined sizes to be diverted towards specific flow paths. We test the device functionality by separating polystyrene beads 90, 175 and 275 µm in diameter, demonstrating separation efficiencies approaching 100%. We then demonstrate for the first time on-chip separation of mouse EBs, which were separated into three size groups. The ability to extract specific size ranges of EBs will greatly facilitate their subsequent differentiation studies.