Ultra-high precision passive particle sorting chip coupling inertial microfluidics and single row micropillar arrays

Abstract

Abstract In this work, we propose a chip for high-throughput and high-precision particle sorting through coupled inertial microfluidics and a single-row micropillar array. The effect of a single-row micropillar array arrangement on the separation effect was studied in order to optimize the structure. The micropillar array was set to be 1/4 away from the outlet. The offset single row micropillar array can achieve higher precision sorting effect after optimization. Compared with cascaded deterministic lateral displacement arrays to the outer spiral, this structure not only reduces the chip size, but also has a lower blocking probability. In addition, the problem of flow resistance mismatch is avoided. Our chip sorting efficiency is higher in comparison with pure inertial microfluidic chip. Our chip successfully completely separated a small amount of 20 μm particles from the mixture of 5 μm particles and 20 μm particles through experiments, and the separation efficiency was close to 100%. Our chip structure has simple processing technology and low cost, which is suitable for the high-precision separation of two different particle sizes. High flux can be achieved by using passive separation technology. The chip can withstand a maximum flow rate of 9.4 m s−1. In general, it provides a new idea for ultra-high precision particle separation and microfluidic chip manufacturing at high flow rates.