Learning from the Jersey Turnpike: Cell Lysis, Labeling and Washing with Microfluidic Metamaterials

Directing objects across functional streamlines at low Reynolds number is difficult but important since this motion can be used to label, lyse, and analyze complex biological objects on-chip without cross-contamination. Here we use an asymmeteric post array to move cells across coflowing reagents and show on-chip, immunofluorescent labeling of platelets with washing and \emph{E.Coli} cell lysis with simultaneous separation of bacterial chromosome from the cell contents. Furthermore, we develop the concept of a microfluidic metamaterial by using the basic asymmetric post array as a building block for complex particle handling modes. These modular array elements could be of great use for developing robust techniques for on-chip, continuous flow manipulation and analysis of cells, large bio-particles, and functional beads.