A novel microstep device for the size separation of cells

Sarah Vankrunkelsven, David Clicq, Kris Pappaert, Willy Ranson,Cathleen De Tandt, Heidi Ottevaere, Hugo Thienpont, Gino V. Baron, and Gert Desmet.

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 mm 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.

Keywords: Microchannels / Shear-driven flow / Size separation DOI 10.1002/elps.200405900
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