Microfluidic sedimentation cytometer for milk quality and bovine mastitis monitoring

Biomed Microdevices. 2010 Dec;12(6):1051-9. doi: 10.1007/s10544-010-9459-5.

Abstract

We report a rapid, low-cost, portable microfluidic sedimentation cytometer (SeCy) for assessing the somatic cell count and fat content of milk in 15 min using a "sample-in, answer-out" approach. The system consists of 12 independent microfluidic devices, essentially flattened funnel structures, fabricated on the footprint of a single plastic compact disc (CD). Each funnel structure holds 150 μL of milk, has an inlet for milk filling and an outlet for air to escape, and ends in a narrow, closed-end microfluidic channel that facilitates packing of the cells into a column whose length is proportional to cell count. The closed-end channel provides accurate cell counts over the range 50,000->3,000,000 cells per mL. The assay separates cells and fat globules based on their densities (by differential sedimentation), concentrating white cells in the closed-end channel near the outer rim of the CD for estimation of total "cell pellet" volume, while fat globules move toward the center of disc rotation, forming a fat "band" in the funnel. After adding milk to two or more microfluidic devices, the CD is loaded onto a custom-built reader unit that spins the disc for 15 min. Two low-cost microscopes in the reader image the centrifuged cell pellet and the fat band, providing a sufficiently accurate cell count to diagnose mastitis and measuring fat content as an indication of health and nutritional status.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / cytology
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cell Count
  • Cytological Techniques / economics
  • Cytological Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Mastitis, Bovine / diagnosis*
  • Mastitis, Bovine / metabolism
  • Mastitis, Bovine / pathology
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / economics
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Milk / cytology*
  • Milk / metabolism
  • Milk / standards
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • Quality Control
  • Time Factors