Cell morphology and deformability in deterministic lateral displacement devices

Deterministic Lateral Displacement (DLD) devices have been used to separate particles based on size [1] and shape [2]. Here we show how DLD devices can also be used to separate particles based on their ability to deform under shear forces. Varying experimental conditions allows us to vary the relative contributions of size, morphology and deformability. The ability to distinguish between cells based on deformability with high resolution and throughput, in cheap and simple devices, could find highly interesting and relevant applications, for example in the detection of circulating tumor cells or malaria-infected blood cells