Flow-free transport of cells in microchannels by frequency-modulated ultrasound

Lab Chip. 2009 Mar 21;9(6):833-7. doi: 10.1039/b816675g. Epub 2009 Feb 2.

Abstract

We demonstrate flow-free transport of cells and particles by the use of frequency-modulated ultrasonic actuation of a microfluidic chip. Two different modulation schemes are combined: A rapid (1 kHz) linear frequency sweep around approximately 6.9 MHz is used for two-dimensional spatial stabilization of the force field over a 5 mm long inlet channel of constant cross section, and a slow (0.2-0.7 Hz) linear frequency sweep around approximately 2.6 MHz is used for flow-free ultrasonic transport and positioning of cells or particles. The method is used for controlling the motion and position of cells monitored with high-resolution optical microscopy, but can also be used more generally for improving the robustness and performance of ultrasonic manipulation micro-devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Cell Line
  • Killer Cells, Natural
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques* / instrumentation
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques* / methods
  • Radio Waves
  • Ultrasonics*