Automated Raman based cell sorting with 3D microfluidics

Abstract

We report an automated, high throughput Raman activated cell sorter using three-dimensional microfluidics (3D-RACS).

Microfluidics for microalgal biotechnology

“…Furthermore, FACS can damage cells by large hydrodynamic stress, eventuating in a low recovery rate after sorting (Kim et al, 2017). Raman spectroscopy cell sorting (RACS) technique is a promising tool for the label-free analysis of photo-synthetizing organisms (e.g., algae; Lyu et al, 2020 (Anand et al, 2019). A common challenge of this method is that Raman spectral features may be adversely affected by the underlying strong fluorescence of omnipresent pigments (Samek et al, 2011).…”

“…Furthermore, FACS can damage cells by large hydrodynamic stress, eventuating in a low recovery rate after sorting (Kim et al, 2017). Raman spectroscopy cell sorting (RACS) technique is a promising tool for the label‐free analysis of photo‐synthetizing organisms (e.g., algae; Lyu et al, 2020). Coherent anti‐stroke Raman scattering, single‐cell laser‐trapping Raman spectroscopy, resonance Raman spectroscopy, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and confocal Raman spectroscopy are common Raman spectroscopy methods (Anand et al, 2019).…”

Microfluidics and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, a win–win combination?

“…142 Lyu et al developed a microfluidic device with a 3D printed detection chamber and a PDMS-based sorting unit for Raman-based cell sorting. 143 3D printing, 144,145 inkjet printing, 146 wax printing, 137 screen printing, 147 and disposable paper microfluidics 148 may find alternative devices for microfluidic SERS.…”

High-throughput Raman-activated cell sorting in the fingerprint region

“…This has resulted in schemes where RACS machines use laser tweezers to catch cells from the flow stream and hold them for measurement 13 , or laser ejection schemes where slide-affixed cells of interest are measured and subsequently ejected from their substrate by an intense laser pulse 14 . Although these catch-and-release-based schemes produce broadband informative single-cell Raman spectra, they suffer from throughputs of <0.1 events per second (eps) [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] , where an event is defined as the triggering of a measurement by the passage of a cell, cell cluster, or cell-like debris. To date, flow-through broadband spontaneous RACS machines demonstrate throughputs below ~0.5 eps at best 22 .…”