Cell trapping in microfluidic chips

Researchers have been developing cell or particle-separation functionalities on a chip for cell trapping, which are derived from specific physical principles applied on a micro scale. Immobilization in a two-dimensional array format on micro patterned surfaces could simplify analysis and signal assignment, and could be used as biosensors. Hydrodynamic trapping methods commonly use mechanical barriers, which sieve the object from the fluid, to separate particles from a flow and immobilize them on certain sites. The magnetic trapping method has the advantage of applicability to any diamagnetic particle, as long as its magnetic susceptibility is is different that of the medium.