title: An integrated microfluidic system for isolation, counting, and sorting of hematopoietic stem cells.
abstract: This study reports an integrated microfluidic system capable of isolation, counting, and sorting of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from cord blood in an automatic format by utilizing a magnetic-bead-based immunoassay. Three functional modules, including cell isolation, cell counting, and cell sorting modules are integrated on a single chip by using microfluidic technology. The cell isolation module is comprised of a four-membrane-type micromixer for binding of target stem cells and magnetic beads, two pneumatic micropumps for sample transport, and an S-shaped channel for isolation of HSCs using a permanent magnet underneath. The counting and sorting of HSCs are performed by utilizing the cell counting and sorting modules. Experimental results show that a separation efficiency as high as 88% for HSCs from cord blood is achieved within 40 min for a sample volume of 100 mul. Therefore, the development of this integrated microfluidic system may be promising for various applications such as stem cell research and cell therapy.
authors.forename: Huei-Wen
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Ruo-Chi
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Chun-Che
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Shiaw-Min
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Gwo-Bin
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Lee