In this study, we present a multistage-dialysis
microdevice (MDM) for extraction of cryoprotectants
(CPAs) from a CPA-laden cell suspension. We confirmed the
functions of the key designs of the MDM using a fluorescence
solution, we assessed the performance of the MDM by using
the MDM to unload glycerin from glycerin-loaded swine
erythrocytes, and we investigated the effects of the cell sus-
pension flow rate, glycerin concentration, cell density, and
membrane pore size on the clearance efficiency of glycerin
(C G ), the survival rate of cells (S C ), and the recovery rate of
cells (R C ). Under the designed conditions, C G , S C , and R C
reached ~60%, ~90%, and ~70%, respectively. In addition, a
high flow rate causes high S C and R C but a low C G . For a low
glycerin concentration, C G , S C , and R C are all high. If a low
cell density or a large pore membrane is used, C G is high,
whereas both S C and R C are low. This work provides insight
into the development of microfluidic devices for the inline
extraction of cryoprotectants from a small volume of cryopre-
served cells prior to the use of the cells in lab-on-a-chip
applications.

• A multistage-dialysis microdevice for extraction of cryoprotectants