Table 2.

Comparison between common sorting mechanisms.

Sorting mechanism	Pros	Cons
Electro-osmosis	Easy fabrication, simple control, uniform flow pattern	High input voltage(>100 V), ion depletion, low-cell viability, low throughput
Dielectrophoresis	Able to trap cells, low-cell damage, fluid flow-independent particle movement	Cell property-dependent, low throughput, requires use of buffer of different ionic strength, complex fabrication
Optical forces	Contactless manipulation, low-cell damage, fluid flow-independent particle movement, high purity	Limited throughput, extensive optical setup (including use of a bulky high-powered laser)
Hydrodynamic	High throughput(>10 000 cells∕s), low-cell damage, easy fabrication, high enriching capability	Slow response, requires bulky external actuators (e.g., external check valve, syringe pump, and pneumatic pump), low purity
Piezoelectric-actuated	High throughput(>10 000 cells∕s), fast response, low-cell damage, easy fabrication, high enriching capability	Medium puritya

^aPurity can be significantly improved by adjusting the flow speed, cell concentration, and incorporation of 3D flow focusing.