Method and apparatus for separating cells

摘要

The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for selectively removing non-target cells from a mixed cell population of different types of cells to selectively separate target cells. Individual cells or cell groups of at least two cells from a mixed cell population of different types of cells are placed on a certain two-dimensional coordinate system. Then a distinction is made among the individual cells or cells in the cell groups, based on the shape or size of the cells or by using a cell marker. Physical energy such as laser light is applied to the positions or regions occupied by non-target cells or cell groups including non-target cells in order to selectively kill the non-target cells or cause dysfunction of the non-target cells.