biology

New Acoustic Device Rapidly Isolates Single Cells with high-Speed Levitation

Tianjin,China – ⁣Researchers at‌ Tianjin University have developed a ‍novel microfluidic ‍device,dubbed Hypersonic ⁣Levitation Spinning (HLS),capable of isolating single⁣ cells from tissue samples with significantly improved speed and efficiency ⁤compared to‌ conventional ​methods. The breakthrough, ⁢detailed in recent research, utilizes precisely controlled acoustic waves to gently separate cells while ​maintaining their integrity – ‌a⁣ critical factor in sensitive⁣ single-cell analysis.

The HLS device leverages the‌ “inverse⁢ piezoelectric affect,” where applying an electric field to ​a material causes ⁣it⁢ to ​deform and ⁢generate ultrasonic⁤ vibrations. These vibrations, reaching billions⁤ per ​second, ‌create‍ acoustic waves within a fluid containing the tissue-enzyme mixture.Beneath each⁣ resonator within the device,a‍ reflector directs these waves,establishing a pattern that induces rapid fluid‍ flow and⁤ spinning,forming‌ powerful yet delicate ⁤liquid jets. These jets⁤ are strong enough to dislodge individual cells ⁤from tissue clumps ⁢without causing damage. Once​ isolated,the acoustic forces allow the cells to levitate and spin ⁢freely within the fluid.

“This⁤ intense force field is confined ⁢to ⁢the fluid, not‍ the cell‌ directly,”​ explains lead researcher, ⁢Duan, emphasizing the controlled nature of the⁣ process.

While building on existing acoustic levitation techniques,the HLS device represents a meaningful refinement. Z. Hugh Fan,a biomedical MEMS and microfluidics researcher at the University of Florida,acknowledges the⁢ advancement. “HLS is ‍an improvement, not a​ dramatic change,” he states, but adds that the tool “shows serious potential.”

Testing⁤ on human renal cancer tissue samples demonstrated the ‍HLS device’s effectiveness. Researchers successfully isolated ‍90% of cells in just 15 minutes, a marked improvement over the 70% isolation rate ⁤achieved ​with conventional methods in ⁣a⁣ full hour. This enhanced performance is attributed to the device’s ⁤ability to facilitate enzyme penetration into the tissue, breaking down cellular structures “without ​the need for‍ harsh mechanical⁤ grinding ⁤or prolonged enzymatic exposure,” according ​to Duan.

Though, the technology isn’t without scrutiny.‍ Susztak from the University of Pennsylvania ‍raises concerns about potential impacts on sensitive cells. “Even slight perturbations matter in single-cell work,” she ⁣cautions,​ questioning whether the⁤ acoustic fields could disrupt cellular⁢ biochemistry.

Beyond biological impact,‌ experts also point to potential implementation challenges. Susztak‌ highlights the need for reliability and robustness‍ in biological​ labs, noting that MEMS devices in fluid‌ environments are prone to drift and calibration issues. Fan ⁤also flags cost and⁤ accessibility as hurdles, suggesting ‌commercialization will be key to widespread⁣ adoption.

To ⁤address these concerns and accelerate development,the Tianjin ​University team‌ has ⁣launched a startup company,Convergency⁢ Biotech,focused on creating user-kind HLS workstations for broader‍ laboratory use.⁢ Duan expresses optimism about the​ future of ⁢the ​technology, believing that “MEMS-based acoustic ⁣tools will become a mainstream⁢ component ⁢of⁣ the biological toolkit.”

despite cautious optimism, Susztak concludes‌ that HLS is “a clever tool with genuine promise,” but emphasizes the‍ need for rigorous validation.⁢ “It must prove itself in the messy world of real ‌biology.”