The Optimization of Microraft Production and Use for Cell Identification and Sorting

Microwell arrays containing magnetic microrafts provide an alternative to fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) that allows for the sorting of cells using temporal characteristics and improved viability for adherent cell lines. Making these arrays from thicker layers of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) improved the imaging quality by reducing the sagging of the array caused by the weight of cell culture media and did not hinder the effectiveness of releasing the rafts for cell sorting. It was also found that centrifugation of cells in these arrays drastically reduced the time it took for the cells to sediment into the wells at the desired density and did not reduce the viability of the cells.Bachelor of Scienc