Microfluidic switch for embryo and cell sorting

We present measurements and simulation of fluid flow and sphere motion in a pressure-driven microfluidic sorter designed for Drosophila embryos. We simulated the flow fields for different channel layouts and flow parameters to find geometries and conditions for optimised embryo movement. The microfluidic switch has a designed switching time of 360 /spl mu/s. We validated the sorter design with fluid experiments in devices fabricated from silicon and Pyrex wafers. The experimental and simulated results are compared both qualitatively and quantitatively by examining the concentration distribution of fluids. This type of microfluidic sorter is promising for micromanipulation of a variety of biological cells, and provides automated operations for higher throughput and accuracy.