Adhesion-based cell sorter with antibody-immobilized functionalized-parylene surface

We report the development of a micro cell sorter for extraction of rare cells from a limited amount of sample. The separation principle is based on specific adhesion with the aid of surface-immobilized antibodies. Antibody-immobilized channel walls are fabricated with a versatile technique using functionalized parylene. Performance of the cell sorter is characterized through cell velocity measurements, in which deceleration of positive cells up to 60 % is observed. Cell separation with a mixture containing positive and negative cells is also demonstrated.