Microfluidic parallel patterning and cellular delivery of molecules with a nanofountain probe

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Microfluidic devices are crucial for precise manipulation of biological samples.
• Existing tools for molecule delivery into cells often lack precision or cause significant cell stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel microfluidic device integrating nanofountain probe (NFP) technology.
• To demonstrate its capability for precise biomolecule patterning and targeted intracellular delivery.

Main Methods:

• Integration of NFP chips into a closed-system microdevice for liquid operation.
• Coupling the device with micro/nano manipulators for precise control.
• Demonstration of direct-write parallel patterning and low-flow rate dispensing.
• Application in NFP-based electroporation for single-cell molecule delivery.

Main Results:

• Achieved continuous direct-write patterning in air and liquid.
• Dispensed liquid drops with submicron to 10 µm diameters at flow rates as low as 1 fL/s.
• Successfully delivered molecules into single cells via NFP-based electroporation, minimizing cell stress.

Conclusions:

• The developed microdevice offers precise, low-volume dispensing and targeted cell delivery.
• NFP-based electroporation presents an advantage over bulk methods for transfection.
• The tool holds potential for automated microarray applications and time-dependent single-cell studies.