| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention provides a sheath flow module made from a first plate of material having formed therein a laminar fluid flow channel; at least two inlets, each inlet joining the laminar flow channel at a junction, the first inlet junction being wider than the second inlet junction, and an outlet from the flow channel. A second plate, e.g. a transparent cover plate, seals the module and allows for optical measurements. A first inlet allows for introduction of a first fluid into the flow channel. The first fluid is the sheath fluid. A second inlet allows for introduction of a second fluid into the sheath fluid while it is flowing through the flow channel. The second fluid is the center fluid. Because the second inlet junction is narrower than the first inlet junction, the center fluid becomes surrounded on both sides by the sheath fluid. After all fluids have been introduced and sheath flow has been achieved, the depth of the flow channel can be decreased, leading to vertical hydrodynamic focusing. Optionally, the width of the flow channel can be decreased, leading to horizontal hydrodynamic focusing. The decrease in depth and width can be gradual or abrupt. The device of the present invention can function in two modes, the sheath flow mode and the particle injector mode, depending on the relative densities of the sheath fluid, the center fluid, and any particles in either fluid.</p> |
