Meta-atom Microfluidic Sensor for Highly Sensitive Cell Detection

A meta-atom microfluidic-based sensor (MAMS) for detecting, enumerating and differentiating cancer cells is proposed. A microfluidic constriction channel is placed between the gaps of a two-gap split ring resonator (SRR). This two-gap SRR is implemented in a way that is sensitive to the stiffness of the cell which is passing through the constriction channel. With passing a cell through the channel, geometrical features of the SRR changes, and these changes are reflected in the device output. In addition, dielectric properties of the cells passing through the constriction channel, changes the sensor output upon electromagnetic excitation of the SRR. As both stiffness and relative permittivity of the cell, which are biosignatures of a cell, determines the output characteristics of the sensor, this label-free assay can almost perfectly distinguish between different cancer cells and normal cells with high sensitivity. Sensor function is simulated and analyzed, as proof of concept, to show the effectiveness and high sensitivity of the device in differentiating of cells with different dielectric and stiffness properties.