| abstract |
The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for detecting rare cells. The disclosed microfluidic devices and methods integrate and automate sample preparation, cell labeling, cell sorting and enrichment, and DNA / RNA analysis of sorted cells. The microfluidic device comprises: means for introducing a biological sample containing one or more labeled cells into the microfluidic device; means for covering the biological sample with a buffer liquid to form a thin ribbon of the biological sample , Means to facilitate detection of labeled cells in biological samples, means to separate labeled cells from biological samples, means to lyse labeled cells, collect RNA and DNA released from lysed labeled cells Means, and means for performing quantitative PCR analysis of the collected RNA and DNA. |