Apparatus and method for sorting microfluidic particles

A microfluidic particle sorter comprising:

• an array of single-junction sorters, each single-junction sorter including:
• an input channel, configured to receive a fluid containing particles;
• an output sort channel and an output waste channel, each connected to the input channel downstream of the input channel for receiving the fluid therefrom;
• a bubble generator located in the input channel, operable to selectively displace the fluid around a particle to be sorted and thereby to create a transient flow of the fluid in the input channel;
• and
• a vortex element fixed in the input channel downstream of the bubble generator, configured to cause a vortex in the transient flow in order to direct the particle to be sorted into the output sort channel.

A particle sorter comprising:

• an input channel configured to receive a fluid containing particles;
• an output sort channel and an output waste channel, each connected to the input channel for receiving fluid therefrom;
• a bubble generator, operable to selectively displace the fluid around a particle and thereby create a transient flow of the fluid in the input channel;
• and
• a vortex element comprising a sharp edge disposed between the bubble generator and the output sort channel, the vortex element being configured to cause a vortex in the transient flow that moves downstream with the particle to enhance lateral displacement of the particle for sorting the particle into the output sort channel.