Acoustofluidic methods in cell analysis

• Published in: TrAC, Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.) Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.), 2019-08, Vol.117, p.280-290
• Main Authors: Xie, Yuliang, Bachman, Hunter, Huang, Tony Jun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustofluidics; Bulk acoustic waves (BAW); Cell analysis; Microfluidics; Surface acoustic waves (SAW)
• ISSN: 0165-9936; 1879-3142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.06.034

Cellular analysis is a central concept for both biology and medicine. Over the past two decades, acoustofluidic technologies, which marry acoustic waves with microfluidics, have significantly contributed to the development of innovative approaches for cellular analysis. Acoustofluidic technologies enable precise manipulations of cells and the fluids that confine them, and these capabilities have been utilized in many cell analysis applications. In this review article, we examine various applications where acoustofluidic methods have been implemented, including cell imaging, cell mechanotyping, circulating tumor cell phenotyping, sample preparation in clinics, and investigation of cell-cell interactions and cell-environment responses. We also provide our perspectives on the technological advantages, limitations, and potential future directions for this innovative field of methods. •Acoustofluidics provides benefits comparing to conventional cell analysis methods.•Surface acoustic waves and bulk acoustic waves are two major acoustofluidic methods.•Examining applications that utilize acoustofluidics to analyze whole, living cells.•Discussing advantages, limitations, and outlooks for acoustofluidic cell analysis.