A microfabricated fluorescence-activated cell sorter

Abstract

We have demonstrated a disposable microfabricated fluorescence-activated cell sorter (µFACS) for sorting various biological entities. Compared with conventional FACS machines, the µFACS provides higher sensitivity, no cross-contamination, and lower cost. We have used µFACS chips to obtain substantial enrichment of micron-sized fluorescent bead populations of differing colors. Furthermore, we have separated Escherichia coli cells expressing green fluorescent protein from a background of nonfluorescent E. coli cells and shown that the bacteria are viable after extraction from the sorting device. These sorters can function as stand-alone devices or as components of an integrated microanalytical chip.

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