Stable 3D inertial focusing by high aspect ratio curved microfluidics

Fine manipulation of particles is essential for the analysis of complex samples such as blood or environmental water, where rare particles of interest may be masked by millions of others. Inertial focusing is amongst the most promising techniques for this task, enabling label-free manipulation of particles with sub-micron resolution at very high flow rates. However, the phenomenon still remains difficult to predict due to the focus position shifting in tortuous ways as function of the channel geometry, flow rate and particle size. Here, we present a new line of microfluidics that exploit inertial focusing in high aspect ratio curved (HARC) microchannels and overcome this limitation. Consisting of a single curved channel, HARC systems provide a highly predictable, single focus position near the centre of the inner wall, largely independent of the flow rate and particle size. An explanation of the mechanism of migration and focus of particles, together with its governing equations, is provided based on simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics and experimental results. HARC microchannels built in silicon-glass were used for experimental validation, achieving a high quality, single focus position for a range of microparticles with sizes of 0.7-1 mu m and bacterial cells (Escherichia coli). The recovery of 1 mu m particles was 99.84% with a factor 4 in concentration. With a stable focus position, we envision that HARC systems will bring the technology closer to implementation in laboratories for analysis of complex fluids with biological particles like cells and organelles.

Automated summary

Fine manipulation of particles is crucial for analyzing complex samples like blood or environmental water. Inertial focusing is a promising technique for label-free manipulation of particles with sub-micron resolution at high flow rates. HARC microchannels provide a stable focus position near the center of the inner wall, independent of flow rate and particle size, showing potential for implementation in laboratories for analyzing complex fluids with biological particles.