3D-printing based microfluidic device for fast light scattering imaging of single cells

In this manuscript, we develop a 3D-printing based microfluidic device for light scattering imaging of single cells. A rapid fabrication method to make microfluidic device that enables 3D-hydrodynamic focusing by utilizing 3D printing technique is proposed. The focusing effect of the microfluidic cytometer was measured and shows the ability to confine the cells to flow near the center stream along the channel. Also, the standard beads with 9.51 mu m in diameter were used to test the reliability of the device. The collected light scattering images are in good agreement with simulation results. We suggest that the 3D-printing based light scattering microfluidic device is in principle applicable for fast, label-free detection of single cells.

Automated summary

This manuscript presents a 3D-printing based microfluidic device for light scattering imaging of single cells, with rapid fabrication and efficient hydrodynamic focusing capabilities. The device demonstrated effective confinement of cells in the center stream along the channel, and reliable results were obtained when tested with standard beads. The collected light scattering images matched well with simulation results, indicating the potential applicability of this device for fast, label-free detection of single cells.