Metastasis is the main origin of epithelial cancer-based mortality. Since circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are valid biomarkers to diagnose cancer, their isolation and analysis are crucial. Microfluidic technology has experienced remarkable potential to isolate CTCs due to its unique characteristics. The present paper analyzes the influences of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids on the continuous separation of CTCs using standing surface acoustic waves (SSAWs). The impacts of inlet velocity, oscillation amplitude, dynamic viscosity, CTC radius, power-law index, and sheath-to-sample flow velocity ratio on the isolation process are examined. The results demonstrate that the separation efficiency declines from 88% to 84% by augmenting the inlet velocity from 1.8 mm/s to 2 mm/s. It is found that for a certain value of CTC radius, the amount of sheath flow velocity can be changed to reach a maximum separation efficiency. Besides, the amount of separation efficiency decreases as the dynamic viscosity of the Newtonian fluid is enhanced and the power-law index of the non-Newtonian fluid is reduced.

Objective(s): In the developed countries, one of the leading causes of death is cancer. Cancer cells with their unique and destructive characteristics impose high costs on communities. Methods: In this study, we will review the latest cancer researches and diagnostic tools. Results: Existing technologies, using clinical markers and studying the polymeric screeners of cancer cells, have created kits that make cancer diagnosis at early stages. The study of the survival mechanism in malaria and honey bee and the development of bacterial engineering has created new approaches to create powerful tools for cancer detection and control. Conclusions: The completion of these processes will create the potential for cancer eradication. Study of the survival mechanisms in nature and purposive modeling of it will lead to provide many solutions to solve the problems. These studies can lead to develop accurate diagnostic and therapeutic tools.