Micro T-switches for cell sorting applications

Abstract

A new micro-T-switch actuated by electrochemical bubbles for cells sorting has been proposed and successfully demonstrated by MEMS micromachining technique. We take advantage of electrolysis-bubbles, which have the features of low operation temperature and high surface-tension force, to actuate the micro T- switches in our device. The micro-T-switch is placed at the junction of the T-shapes microchannel. The movable T-structure design makes cell sorting active and programmable compared with other passive cell sorting mechanism such as micro-filters. Furthermore, the low operation temperature for electrolysis - bubbles driving mechanism could minimize cell-damage that happens in conventional high electric-separation instruments, such as Flow Cytometry. Copyright © 2004 by ASME.