Embodiments herein include a scanning apparatus for detecting target particles present within a ferrofluid, where the scanning apparatus can be used in a microfluidic system. The methods and structures described herein also include, for example, a scanning device comprising an optical system, a first magnet disposed on a first side of the optical system, where the first magnet can be non-rotatable, a second magnet disposed on a second side of the optical system, opposite the first magnet, where the second magnet can be rotatable, and a lever arm coupled to the second magnet, where the lever is capable of rotating the second magnet.

A chip includes a micro-channel unit for hydraulically classifying cells in a blood sample. In a micro-channel unit, liquid flowing from a sub channel into a main channel pushes cells flowing in the main channel toward a side thereof on which a removal channel and a collection channel are disposed. Fluid containing non-nucleated RBCs among the pushed cells enters the removal channel, so that the non-nucleated RBCs are removed from a blood sample. A plurality of micro-channel units having the same patterns as each other are repeatedly stacked in a height direction. Inlets of the main channels, inlets of the sub channels, outlets of the removal channels, outlets of the collection channels, and outlets of the main channels, which are provided in the micro-channel units, are connected to respective pillar channels penetrating each of layers in a traversing manner.

The subject matter described herein relates to devices and methods for capturing micrometer scale objects from a fluid flow, and more particularly, to devices and methods for capturing cells. The devices generally comprise an array of posts configured and arranged to selectively direct the micrometer scale objects toward trapping channels defined between posts in which the micrometer scale objects can be trapped, and to direct smaller particles through bypass channels around the posts. Methods for using the devices to trap cells, analyze cells and treat cancer are also described.

Various embodiments herein disclose a device, comprising one or more fluid interfacing components and a cartridge holder, wherein the one or more fluid interfacing components are fixed while the cartridge holder moves along a linear guide. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the device to analyze a sample containing particles, and methods of diagnosing a disease in a subject by using the device.

A device for separating a sample of cells suspended in a bio-compatible ferrofluid is described. The device includes a microfluidic channel having a sample inlet, at least one output, and a length between the sample inlet and the at least one output, wherein a sample can be added to the sample inlet and flow along the length to the at least one outlet. The device includes a plurality of electrodes, wherein the microfluidic channel length transverses the plurality of electrodes, and further includes a power source for applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the length of the microfluidic channel. The present invention also includes a method for separating at least one cell type. The method includes the steps of suspending cells in a bio-compatible ferrofluid to form a sample, passing the sample through a microfluidic channel that transverses a plurality of electrodes, applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the length of the microfluidic channel, and sorting the cells into at least one output channel based on a variation of at least one of cell size, shape and elasticity.

A technique relates to separation of a mixture. A nano-deterministic lateral displacement (nanoDLD) array is configured to separate the mixture in a fluid. A feedback system is configured to control a velocity of the fluid through the nanoDLD array. The feedback system is configured to control the velocity of the fluid to separate one or more entities in the mixture.

A system and method for detection of cells is disclosed. Target cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), may be of interest. Magnetic beads may be bound to the target cells. After which, the target cells (with the magnetic beads attached thereto) may be identified using an applied magnetic field. In one example, magnetic sensors may be used to detect movement of the target cells responsive to an applied magnetic field. In another example, an optical sensor (such as a camera) may be used to detect movement of the target cells responsive to an applied magnetic field. Further, separate from identification of the target cells, the target cells may be sorted using an applied magnetic field. In this way, a magnetic field may be used in either or both of target cell identification or target cell sorting in order to detect target cells of interest.

Methods for cell analysis are provided, comprising cell capturing, characterization, transport, and culture. In an exemplary method individual cells (and/or cellular units) are flowed into a microfluidic channel, the channel is partitioned into a plurality of contiguous segments, capturing at least one cell in at least one segment. A characteristic of one or more captured cells is determined and the cell(s) and combinations of cells are transported to specified cell holding chamber(s) based on the determined characteristic(s). Also provided are devices and systems for cell analysis.

A microchip is provided, which includes a substrate including a fluid channel structure. The fluid channel structure includes a first fluid introduction channel and a second fluid introduction channel configured to meet so as to allow merging of a first fluid introduced from the first fluid introduction channel and a second fluid introduced from the second fluid introduction channel. A tapered portion is configured to be positioned after merging the first fluid and the second fluid so as to suppress a spiral flow field generated after the merging.

Microfluidic method and device that can be used for sensing and measurement of properties of liquids, gases, solutions, and particles is proposed, wherein the measurable liquid or gas (with or without particles) flow in at least one channel through a measurement chamber (cell) formed between at least two isolated electrodes is used for electrical impedance measurement. The proposed solution is characterized in that the cross-section of at least one pair of similar spatial electrodes decreases smoothly towards the tiny measurement chamber (cell) in order to increase the sensitivity and accuracy of the measurement. Typically, a device with multiple similar channels is advantageous to use for comparative measurement and differential measurement schemes.