Cell Quantification using Microfluidcs

For cancer patients, the quantity of white blood cells if of upmost importance for survival. A current method for blood cell quantification involves using a laser source that emits fluorescence. In this study, we investigate a novel method of discretely quantifying white blood cells (WBC) using a microfluidic device with channels (around 100µm in diameter) wrapped with conductive coils and magnetized beads that bond to the proteins of WBC. As the magnetized WBC passes through the coil, it induces a change in the magnetic field, which serves as an indicator of a presence of the WBC. We simulated this action using COMSOL, which is software that will enables simulation of various aspects of the fluid flow in the channel, such as charge density, cell concentration, etc. To create the microfluidic device, liquid silicon, or Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is used by molding it in a 3D-printed block with optical fiber submerged in the PDMS, in which the fiber is removed to create the mold of the microfluidic channels within the PDMS block after it is heated to a solid state. This method of counting WBC is a more accurate and lower-cost method of cell quantification that is battery-powered, portable, and can be used in point-of-care diagnosis at home