A new micro flow cytometer using optically-induced dielectrophoretic forces for continuous microparticle counting and sorting

This paper reports a new microfluidic device, optically-induced flow cytometry, capable of continuously counting and sorting microparticles based on optically-induced dielectrophoretic forces. Microparticles can be first successfully focused into a narrow line by using "virtual electrodes" generated by digital projectors. 9.7-and 20.9-μm microparticles can be then distinguished by embedded optical fibers. Finally, an optically-induced dynamic switch can sort microparticles with different sizes continuously. The development of the microfluidic chip may provide a useful platform for microparticle counting and sorting.