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Dielectrophoretic registration of living cells to a microelectrode array
Darren S Gray1, John L Tan, Joel Voldman
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|January 8, 2004
Summary
This study introduces a new microfabricated device for trapping thousands of single mammalian cells using dielectrophoretic forces. The method precisely aligns cells on microelectrodes, improving cell registration fidelity for biosensor applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Accurate cell manipulation and registration are crucial for biosensor development and high-throughput screening.
- Existing cell registration techniques often lack the required precision and fidelity for complex microscale applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microfabricated device for simultaneous, active trapping and precise alignment of thousands of single mammalian cells.
- To demonstrate the capability of the device for controlled cell manipulation and registration on a microelectrode array.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microfluidic device with thousands of 3-micrometer trapping electrodes within a parallel-plate flow chamber.
- Utilizing dielectrophoretic forces to trap individual mammalian cells onto electrodes, with adhesive regions ensuring sustained alignment.
- Applying varying electric field strengths to assess cell viability and demonstrate controlled trapping and release.
Main Results:
- Thousands of single mammalian cells were successfully trapped and aligned on microelectrodes, with high fidelity (70+/-1%).
- Trapped cells exhibited similar morphologies and proliferation rates compared to control groups when subjected to weaker electric fields, indicating minimal damage.
- The device demonstrated superior cell registration accuracy compared to existing methods.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfabricated device enables high-precision, high-fidelity manipulation and registration of thousands of single cells.
- This technology addresses critical needs for precise cell placement on biosensors and other microdevices.
- The dielectrophoretic trapping method offers a viable solution for advanced cell-based assays and diagnostics.