Focusing particles without sheath flows in microflow cytometers

Miniaturization of flow cytometry is of fundamental importance in point-of-care and personalized diagnostics. Conventional flow cytometry is a standard analytical method in cell biology, but restrictive due to its high price, complexity, and large size. To address miniaturization needs, a number of investigators in microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, and bio-MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) have focused on the development ofmicroflow cytometers using microfluidic technologies and miniaturized optical components. We herein present various sheathless, microfluidic particle focusing methods that replace conventional flow chambers with microfabricated devices capable, reducing both device size and sheath volumes.