Agilent Technologies, Inc.
METHODS AND APPARATUS TO FACILITATE GRAVITATIONAL CELL EXTRACTION

Abstract:

The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus that gravitationally transfer cells from a first medium to a second medium. More specifically, the invention relates to a novel microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a cell transfer region, a cell settling channel, a waste channel, a cell output channel, and an input medium channel. The cell settling channel, the waste channel, and the cell output channel extend from, are in fluid communication with, and are smaller in cross section than the cell transfer region. The cell output channel is substantially perpendicular to the cell settling channel and to the waste channel. The input medium channel extends from and is in fluid communication with the cell output channel.