Focusing dynamics of finite-sized particles in confined microfluidic channels

We investigated the focusing dynamics of finite-sized particles in spiral microfluidic channels. The experimental results demonstrated that, unlike for the dynamics of point-sized particles, the Dean flow contributes little to the lateral migration of finite-sized particles. With interests in applying inertial focusing to biomedical applications, the dynamics of finite-sized tumor cells with an added deformability feature were explored and compared with the dynamics of rigid particles. It was found that the deformation of the cells would slow down the inward shifting of the focused cell array. This improved understanding may serve as an important supplement to the knowledge of existing inertial focusing mechanisms.