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Updated: May 9, 2026
High Throughput Single-cell and Multiple-cell Micro-encapsulation
Published on: June 15, 2012
High-throughput deterministic single-cell encapsulation and droplet pairing, fusion, and shrinkage in a single
Rogier M Schoeman1, Evelien W M Kemna, Floor Wolbers
1BIOS Lab on a Chip group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
In this article, we present a microfluidic device capable of successive high-yield single-cell encapsulation in droplets, with additional droplet pairing, fusion, and shrinkage. Deterministic single-cell encapsulation is realized using Dean-coupled inertial ordering of cells in a Yin-Yang-shaped curved microchannel using a double T-junction, with a frequency over 2000 Hz, followed by controlled droplet pairing with a 100% success rate. Subsequently, droplet fusion is realized using electrical actuation resulting in electro-coalescence of two droplets, each containing a single HL60 cell, with 95% efficiency. Finally, volume reduction of the fused droplet up to 75% is achieved by a triple pitchfork structure. This droplet volume reduction is necessary to obtain close cell-cell membrane contact necessary for final cell electrofusion, leading to hybridoma formation, which is the ultimate aim of this research.
