![Schematic diagram of an acoustofluidic chip for shape-based separation. a Schematic diagram of the proposed acoustofluidic device. b Top view of the midstream microchannel. c Cross-sectional view of the midstream microchannel. d Rigid ellipsoid model system exposed to incident plane traveling wave. Source: Microsystems and NanoEngineering (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00636-7 Changing the future: New technology for sorting fine particles revealed](https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2024/shaping-the-future-a-n.jpg)
Schematic diagram of an acoustofluidic chip for shape-based separation. a Schematic diagram of the proposed acoustofluidic device. b Top view of the midstream microchannel. c Cross-sectional view of the midstream microchannel. d Rigid ellipsoid modeling system exposed to incident surface traveling waves. Credit Transactions: Microsystems and Nanoengineering (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00636-7
Thanks to the rapid development of microfluidics, we have primarily used microfluidics to sort tiny particles by size. But now there's a new way to sort by shape, which could have big implications for medical testing and chemistry. Recent research has introduced a new method that uses sound waves to separate odd-shaped and round particles without the need for labels. This breakthrough could lead to better ways to deliver drugs or diagnose diseases by providing a smarter approach to sorting these tiny particles.
In the field of microfluidics, separation of microparticles based solely on size has been standard. However, distinguishing these particles by shape is important for advancing biomedical and chemical analyses. These approaches require innovative techniques that can identify and separate microscopic objects with subtle shape differences beyond traditional size-based separation methods.
This shift toward morphology-based separation opens new possibilities for more accurate and efficient diverse applications in biomedical research, diagnostics, and chemical analysis, highlighting the need to advance microfluidic technologies to explore this untapped potential.
In a recent study Microsystems and Nanoengineering We presented a new acoustofluidic method that can separate microscopic objects according to their shape using surface acoustic waves. This label-free technology represents a significant advancement in microfluidic technology.
In this study, researchers have achieved a breakthrough in the field of microfluidics by introducing an innovative acoustofluidic technology that distinguishes and separates microparticles based on their shape rather than their size. This method, which utilizes surface acoustic waves, can deftly manipulate elongated ellipsoids and spherical microparticles to separate them with unprecedented accuracy.
These advances stem from the recognition that shape, an important property that is often overlooked, can provide more nuanced insights in a variety of applications. The research team succeeded in achieving high purity and efficiency by focusing sound waves to align and separate non-spherical objects. This research not only challenges existing separation methods but also sets a new standard for precision in micro-object manipulation.
Dr. Jinsu Park, who led the research, said, “This method not only improves the precision of micro-object separation, but also opens new avenues for biomedical research and diagnosis, enabling more accurate and efficient analysis.”
This research has broad potential, encompassing everything from enhancing drug delivery to pinpointing specific cells for diagnostics. Further developments could revolutionize fields such as biomedical engineering and environmental sciences, providing deeper insight and management into microscopic areas.
Additional information:
Muhammad Soban Khan et al., Acoustic fluid separation of long and spherical micro-objects; Microsystems and Nanoengineering (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00636-7
Provided by Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Summons: New technology for sorting microparticles using sound waves (February 23, 2024) Retrieved February 23, 2024, from https://phys.org/news/2024-02-technique-micro-particles.html
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