High-throughput cancer cell isolation via dynamic anti-clogging microsieve filtration

Reliable and efficient isolation of tumor-associated cells from peripheral blood remains a significant challenge due to their low abundance and heterogeneity. Here, we present a physics-enabled and fully-automated approach based on microsieve technology for rapid separation and capture of these cells from whole blood. The approach integrates periodic backflush to dynamically disrupt pore blockage and an anti-fouling surface coating to suppress cell adhesion, thereby establishing a self-regulating filtration mechanism. Implemented in a fully automated microsieve system, this mechanism enables processing of 3 mL of whole blood within 25 min, with >90% recovery of viable cancer cells and >99.99% depletion of white blood cells. Compared with other membrane-based filtration methods, the proposed approach ensures more efficient and consistent isolation of cancer cells, demonstrating feasibility for future clinical translation.