High-Throughput Microfluidic Particle Counter Based on Optical Absorption

• Published in: ACS biomaterials science & engineering 2024-06, Vol.10 (6), p.4085-4092
• Main Authors: Xian, Qingyue, Luo, Xiao, Zhang, Jie, Wong, Yu Ching, Yang, Siyu, Wen, Weijia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Flow Cytometry - instrumentation; Flow Cytometry - methods; High-Throughput Screening Assays - instrumentation; High-Throughput Screening Assays - methods; Manufacturing, Technology, and Devices; Mice; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques - instrumentation; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques - methods; Microfluidics - methods; NIH 3T3 Cells; Reproducibility of Results
• ISSN: 2373-9878; 2373-9878
• DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00516

With the utilization of advanced microfluidic techniques, the microfluidic particle counter demonstrates significant potential due to its high efficiency, precise manipulation, and portability. This work focuses on a photodetection counter based on optical absorption. To achieve precise particle detection, a Christmas tree-like structure was implemented to separate a single particle from a cluster, which was then detected in independent multiple parallel channels. The system exhibits a high degree of reliability, as evidenced by a linear correlation coefficient over 0.99 obtained during testing with gradient-concentrated beads. Furthermore, when the calculated density of NIH 3T3 cells is compared with that of a traditional flow cytometer, the system achieves a substantial agreement percentage ranging from 87.5 to 99.9%. The system’s ability to perform high-throughput analysis with a high acquisition rate positions it as a promising tool for real-time point-of-care testing.