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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Fluorescence detection methods for microfluidic droplet platforms

Fluorescence detection methods for microfluidic droplet platforms

Published on: December 10, 2011

A microfluidic platform for probing single cell plasma membranes using optically trapped Smart Droplet Microtools

Peter M P Lanigan¹, Tanja Ninkovic, Karen Chan

¹The Single Cell Proteomics Group, Chemical Biology Centre (CBC), Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, UK SW7 2AZ.

|April 8, 2009

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This study introduces detergent-coated droplets in a microfluidic system for selective cell membrane solubilization. This novel Smart Droplet Microtools (SDMs) approach enables precise material transfer from cells without forming membrane tethers.

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Cell Biology
Microfluidics

Background:

Previous work introduced optically trapped lipid-coated oil droplets (Smart Droplet Microtools-SDMs) capable of forming membrane tethers for material transfer.
These initial SDMs facilitated material transfer from the plasma membrane to the droplet via tethers formed upon cell fusion.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a customized version of the Smart Droplet Microtools (SDMs) approach using detergent-coated droplets.
To achieve spatially selective solubilization of single-cell plasma membranes without forming membrane tethers.
To integrate this into a microfluidic format for enhanced cell separation and downstream analysis.

Main Methods:

Deployment of detergent-coated droplets within a microfluidic device.

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Fluorescence detection methods for microfluidic droplet platforms

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Microfluidic Platform with Multiplexed Electronic Detection for Spatial Tracking of Particles

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Utilizing the differential solubilization properties of the droplets on single-cell plasma membranes.

Monitoring material transfer from the cell to the droplet by tracking membrane-localized EGFP.

Main Results:

The customized SDMs differentially solubilized the plasma membrane of single cells with spatial selectivity.
The process occurred without the formation of membrane tethers, unlike the previous iteration.
The microfluidic format successfully separated target cells from the bulk droplet population and facilitated downstream analysis.

Conclusions:

The detergent-coated droplet system in a microfluidic format offers a refined method for selective cell membrane analysis.
This approach avoids membrane tether formation, providing a distinct advantage for specific cellular material transfer studies.
The integrated microfluidic system enhances the efficiency and applicability of SDMs in cell biology research.