title: A novel microstep device for the size separation of cells.
abstract: We report on a series of preliminary experiments investigating the applicability of a novel method for the size separation of nano- and microsized particles and cells. The working principle is based on the application of a shear-driven flow through stepwise tapered micro- or nanochannels. Size separations of mixtures of 0.5 and 1.0 microm carboxylated polystyrene beads as well as of binary mixtures of Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and of S. cerevisiae and Escherichia coli cells are demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vankrunkelsven
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Clicq
authors.forename: Kris
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pappaert
authors.forename: Willy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ranson
authors.forename: Cathleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Tandt
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ottevaere
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thienpont
authors.forename: Gino V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Baron
authors.forename: Gert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Desmet
mesh_terms: D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D044085:Microfluidics; D008863:Microspheres; D010316:Particle Size; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*