A novel microstep device for the size separation of cells.
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.
Vankrunkelsven
Sarah
S
Department of Chemical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
Clicq
David
D
Pappaert
Kris
K
Ranson
Willy
W
De Tandt
Cathleen
C
Ottevaere
Heidi
H
Thienpont
Hugo
H
Baron
Gino V
GV
Desmet
Gert
G
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*