High throughput viscoelastic particle focusing and separation in spiral microchannels

Abstract Passive particle manipulation using inertial and elasto-inertial microfluidics have received substantial interest in recent years found various applications high throughput sorting separation. For separation applications, has thus far been applied at lower flow rates as compared to microfluidics. In this work, we explore viscoelastic focusing spiral channels two orders of magnitude higher Reynolds numbers than previously reported. We show that the balance between dominant lift force, dean drag force elastic enables stable 3D dynamically numbers. Using a two-turn spiral, particles, initially pinched towards inner wall an elasticity enhancer, PEO (polyethylene oxide), sheath migrate outer strictly based on size can be effectively separated with precision. As proof principle for resolution separation, 15 µm particles were from 10 particles. A efficiency 98% 97% was achieved. Furthermore, demonstrate sheath-less, throughput, novel integrated two-spiral device achieved 89% 99% sample rate 1 mL/min—a only reported anticipate ability precisely control extremely will open up several including development ultra-high microflow cytometers high-resolution rare cells point care diagnostics.