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Separating Beads and Cells in Multi-channel Microfluidic Devices Using Dielectrophoresis and Laminar Flow
Published on: February 4, 2011
Dielectrophoretic cell trapping and parallel one-to-one fusion based on field constriction created by a micro-orifice
Biomicrofluidics
|August 11, 2010
Summary
This study presents a microfluidic chip using dielectrophoresis (DEP) for high-yield cell fusion, creating viable fusants for studying postfusion cell behavior. The method successfully generated tetraploid cells from mouse fibroblasts, enabling further research into cell division and development.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Traditional cell fusion methods can compromise cell viability.
- Developing high-yield, viable fusant generation is crucial for cell biology research.
- Microfluidic devices offer precise control for cellular manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the feasibility of a dielectrophoresis (DEP)-assisted cell trapping method for parallel fusion using a micro-orifice array.
- To create viable fusants for studying postfusion cell behavior.
- To optimize micro-orifice size for fusant immobilization and observation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microfluidic chip with a chamber, partition, and micro-orifice array.
- Utilizing dielectrophoresis (DEP) for cell trapping and contact within micro-orifices.
- Applying electrical pulses to initiate cell fusion and hydrostatic pressure for cell manipulation.
- Time-lapse imaging of generated fusants using a microscope with a stage-top incubator.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of viable fusants from mouse fibroblast cells (L929) using the DEP-assisted micro-orifice method.
- Observed fused cell pairs forming tetraploid cells, which subsequently divided.
- Fusants generated with smaller micro-orifices (approx. 2 µm) were immobilized until cell division, resulting in four daughter cells after two synchronized divisions.
Conclusions:
- The presented microfluidic method enables high-yield generation of viable fusants.
- The technique is suitable for subsequent studies of postfusion phenomena and cell division.
- Micro-orifice size influences fusant immobilization, facilitating detailed observation of cell division.
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