A Novel Micro-step Separation Device for the Size Separation of Cells
 
A Novel Micro-step Separation Device for the Size Separation of Cells ■
 
Sarah Vankrunkelsven, Sarah Vankrunkelsven, Sarah Vankrunkelsven, David Clicq, David Clicq, David Clicq, Kris Pappaert, Kris Pappaert, Kris Pappaert, Willy Ranson, Willy Ranson, Willy Ranson, Cathleen De Tandt, Cathleen De Tandt, Cathleen De Tandt, Heidi Ottevaere, Heidi Ottevaere, Heidi Ottevaere, Hugo Thienpont, Hugo Thienpont, Hugo Thienpont, Gino Baron, Gino Baron, Gino Baron, Gert Desmet, Gert Desmet, Gert Desmet
 
Abstract ■

We report on a series of preliminary experiments investigating the applicability of a novel method for the size separation of nano- and microsized particles and cells. The working principle is based on the application of a shear-driven flow through stepwise tapered micro- or nanochannels. Size separations of mixtures of 0.5 and 1.0 microm carboxylated polystyrene beads as well as of binary mixtures of Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and of S. cerevisiae and Escherichia coli cells are demonstrated.