A novel microparticle size sorting technology based on sheath flow stable expansion regimes

Previously we have originally reported and experimentally explored the stable expansion phenomenon of sheath flow in straight microchannels. The differs from focused thread diffusion, which are expected to appear based on current understanding. It happens within a specific range Reynolds numbers microchannels with aspect ratios. However, mechanism insight potential applications remained poorly understood. In this study, comprehensive numerical model, involving laminar flow, diluted species transportation, particle tracing, was established provide global transparent insight. Based simulation results, root cause were revealed as dumbbell-shape deformation buffer–sample–buffer interface. addition, microparticle size sorting application these findings proposed conducted both experiment. results showed that 1 15 μm microparticles can be totally separated nearly 100% purity. According advantages potentials technique, it promising approach label-free high throughput manner.