Interfacing cell-based assays in environmental scanning electron microscopy using dielectrophoresis.
Khashayar Khoshmanesh1, Jin Akagi, Saeid Nahavandi
1Department of Chemistry and MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. khashayar.khoshmanesh@deakin.edu.au
Analytical Chemistry
|March 30, 2011
Summary
Dielectrophoretic (DEP) technology for live cell trapping was integrated with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). This allows high-resolution imaging of individual nonadherent human leukemic cells for detailed analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microscopy
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Live cell analysis requires high-resolution imaging techniques.
- Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) offers high resolution but typically requires fixed samples.
- Nonadherent cells present challenges for traditional microscopy sample preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a method for trapping and analyzing live, nonadherent cells using integrated dielectrophoretic (DEP) technology and ESEM.
- To provide a proof-of-concept for high-resolution imaging of individual live cells in their native state.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of DEP microelectrode arrays on a glass substrate using photolithography and lift-off techniques.
- Application of chip-based DEP arrays for trapping human leukemic cells.
- Analysis of DEP-trapped cells using ESEM.
Main Results:
- Successful development of DEP microelectrode arrays suitable for cell trapping.
- Demonstration of DEP technology's capability to retain and trap individual nonadherent human leukemic cells.
- Proof-of-concept for interfacing DEP cell trapping with ESEM for high-resolution imaging.
Conclusions:
- The integration of DEP live cell trapping with ESEM is a viable approach for high-resolution analysis of individual nonadherent cells.
- This technology enables the study of live cells without fixation, preserving cellular integrity.
- The developed system offers a novel platform for advancing cell biology research.
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