Disposable chip-type flow cell and flow cytometer using the same

Abstract

A disposable flow cell formed on a substrate for separating particles from a sample solution includes a sample flow path and a sample reservoir formed on the substrate, wherein the sample flow path is connected to the sample reservoir for introducing the sample solution from the sample reservoir, the sample flow path comprises an illuminating region configured for illumination by an external illumination unit, wherein the sample reservoir is adapted to be airtightly connected to an external constant air pump such that a constant air pressure can be applied to the sample solution by the external constant air pump; and a first branched flow path and a second branched flow path perpendicularly connected, respectively, to both sides of the sample flow path at a location downstream of the illumination region, wherein the first branched flow path comprises a connection port configured for air-tight connection to an external pulse air pump.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A disposable flow cell formed on a substrate for separating particles from a sample solution, comprising:
 a sample flow path and a sample reservoir formed on the substrate, wherein the sample flow path is connected to the sample reservoir for introducing the sample solution from the sample reservoir, wherein the sample flow path comprises an illuminating region configured for illumination by an external illumination unit, wherein the sample reservoir is configured for airtight connection to an external constant air pump such that a constant air pressure can be applied to the sample solution by the external constant air pump; and   a first branched flow path and a second branched flow path, respectively, connected perpendicularly to both sides of the sample flow path at a location downstream of the illumination region, wherein the first branched flow path comprises a connection port configured for airtight connection to an external pulse air pump, wherein upon receiving a pulse pressure from the external pulse air pump through the first branched flow path, a portion of the sample solution flowing in the sample flow path is separated from the sample flow path and introduced into the second branched flow path.   
     
     
         2 . The disposable flow cell according to  claim 1 , further comprising a sorting reservoir connected to the second branched flow path. 
     
     
         3 . The disposable flow cell according to  claim 1 , wherein the substrate has inclined surfaces at both lateral sides for deflecting sideward scattered light. 
     
     
         4 . The disposable flow cell according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a pair of sheath flow paths that are arranged on both sides of the sample flow path and join the sample flow path upstream of the illumination region, wherein the pair of sheath flow paths are connected to a sheath solution reservoir for introducing a sheath solution on both sides of the sample solution flowing in the sample flow path.   
     
     
         5 . The disposable flow cell according to  claim 4 , wherein the sample reservoir and the sheath solution reservoir are configured for simultaneous connection to the external constant air pump.