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Micro- and nanotechnology in cell separation || FREE PAPER ||

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Authors: Milica Radisic, Rohin K Iyer, Shashi K Murthy

Published Date January 2006 Volume 2006:1(1) Pages 3 - 14
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S

Milica Radisic1,2, Rohin K Iyer1, Shashi K Murthy3

1Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, 2Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; 3Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA

Abstract: This review describes recent work in cell separation using micro- and nanoscale technologies. These devices offer several advantages over conventional, macroscale separation systems in terms of sample volumes, low cost, portability, and potential for integration with other analytical techniques. More importantly, and in the context of modern medicine, these technologies provide tools for point-of-care diagnostics, drug discovery, and chemical or biological agent detection. This review describes work in five broad categories of cell separation based on (1) size, (2) magnetic attraction, (3) fluorescence, (4) adhesion to surfaces, and (5) new emerging technologies. The examples in each category were selected to illustrate separation principles and technical solutions as well as challenges facing this rapidly emerging field.

Keywords: cell separation, microfluidics, DEP, FACS, magnetic, MACS, bioMEMS