Cell Separation Using Simple Microchip Configuration Experimental and Simulation Analysis

There are a lot of different applications of particle and cells sorting and counting in blood analysis and environmental field specially, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as these cells have a promising prognostic value in cancer diagnose. Here we fabricated and simulated a simple microfluidic chip, that capable to separate and detect pre-magnetic beads labeled CTCs (MCF7 Cell) from buffer/or cell sample mixture by utilizing magnetic based technique. The required magnetic force, that causes the deflection of the pre-labeled cell have been generated simply by locating a small permanent magnet at particular distance from the channel wall. The effects of the magnetic force on the beads paths, has been investigated and simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3a modeling software (COMSOL, Inc.), under deferent flow conditions. The separation efficiency of the proposed microfluidic chip device have been estimated experimentally and numerically calculated as 96% purity of the targeted cell has determined. Easy and simplicity concerns this device, enhance the usability in clinical applications.