25 / 28
25
Sensor100
May 2016
New approach to sorting cells
Microfluidic device distinguishes cells based on how they respond
to acoustic vibrations.
A team of MIT researchers has now developed
a new way to sort cells, based on their acoustic
properties — that is, how they are affected by
sound waves, which depends on how dense
and compressible the cells are. The new device
consists of a microfluidic channel that vibrates
at a very low frequency.As cells flow through
the channel, they are pushed to a certain posi-
tion depending on how they interact with the
acoustic forces generated by the vibration.
Using this approach, the researchers found that they could distinguish three different
types of white blood cells — monocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils — even though
monocytes and neutrophils are very similar in size. In addition to analyzing red and
white blood cells, this technology could also be used for isolating tumor cells from a
patient’s blood sample, perhaps to monitor the progression of cancer.The researchers
also showed in this study that they can distinguish different types of tumor cells based
on their acoustic properties.
MIT NewsMay 16
TheTheranos Story Continues
Blood-testing firmTheranos has voided two years’ worth of results obtained using its
Edison platform and has sent tens of thousands of corrected reports to doctors and
patients, theWall Street Journal reports.
COO Sunny Balwani has resigned from the company.
Reported by
GenomeWeb19 May