METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SEGREGATION OF PARTICLES, INCLUDING SEGREGATION AND PROLIFERATION OF FETAL AND STEM CELLS

摘要

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for segregating particles on the basis of their ability to flow through a stepped passageway. At least some of the particles are accommodated in a passage bounded by a first step, but at least some of the particles are unable to pass through a narrower passage bounded by a second step, resulting in segregation of the particles. The apparatus and methods described herein can be used to segregate particles of a wide variety of types. By way of example, they can be used to segregate fctal-like cells from a maternal blood sample such as maternal arterial blood.