Cell sorting plays a crucial role in both medical and biological research. As a key passive sorting technique in the field of microfluidics, deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) has been widely applied to cell separation and sorting. This review aims to summarize the latest advances in the optimization of channel design for microfluidic DLD cell sorting. First, we provide an overview of the design elements of microfluidic DLD cell sorting channels, focusing on key factors that affect separation efficiency and accuracy, including channel geometry, fluid dynamics, and the interaction between cells and channel surfaces. Subsequently, we review recent innovations and progress in channel design for microfluidic DLD technology, exploring its applications in biomedical fields and its integration with machine learning. Additionally, we discuss the challenges currently faced in optimizing channel design for microfluidic DLD cell sorting. Finally, based on existing research, we make a summary and put forward prospective views on the further development of this field.
