Network simulation-based optimization of centrifugo-pneumatic blood plasma separation
Zehnle S, Rombach M, Zengerle R, von Stetten F, Paust N
Biomicrofluidics 2017;11, 024114
Biomicrofluidics online article
Automated and robust separation of 14 μl of plasma from 40 μl of whole blood at a purity of 99.81% ± 0.11% within 43 s is demonstrated for the hematocrit range of 20% -60% in a centrifugal microfluidic polymer disk. Disk design and the rotational protocol are optimized to make the process fast, robust, and insusceptible for undesired cell resuspension. Due to the pneumatic actuation, no surface treatment of the fluidic cartridge or any additional external means are required, offering the possibility for low-cost mass fabrication technologies, such as injection molding or thermoforming.
