Self-mixing interferometry-based micro flow cytometry system for label-free cells classification

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel optical microfluidic cytometry scheme for label-free detection of cells that is based on the self-mixing interferometry (SMI) technique. This device enables simple, fast and accurate detection of the individual cell characteristics and efficient cell type classification. We also propose a novel parameter to classify the cell or particle size. Artificial polystyrene beads and human living cells were measured using this system, and the SMI signal properties were statistically evaluated. The capability of the proposed cytometer for cell type discrimination and size classification has been validated by the measurement results. Our study can provide a very simple technique for cell enumeration and classification without any extra devices such as high-speed camera, photomultiplier and spectrometer. Moreover, the fluorescence staining operation which is necessary in traditional flow cytometry methods is not required either in our system.