Analysis and Simulation of Rare Cell Detection and Size Based Profiling Using Coupled Micro-Hall Detectors

摘要

We present a comprehensive analysis and finite element method (FEM) modeling and simulations on using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and Hall effect principles to detect, and estimate sizes of rare cells. In this model, rare cells labeled with MNPs are detected in-flow using coupled micro Hall voltage detectors (μHD). The voltage signals of μHDs are then analyzed to obtain size estimates. No physical contact, stressing, electrical excitation or immobilizing of cells is used. Voltage variations based on sensor dimensions, vertical separation distances and cell sizes were analyzed in simulations using finite element method. A signal processing algorithm was developed to determine cell size from detected voltages of bottom/top μHDs. This novel 2D dual μHD concept offers better accuracy when compared to conventional single μHD approach in cell count and also provide size profiling with 12.2% average error for cell diameters from 10 μm to 26 μm.