Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
09:45
Microfluidics-based High-throughput Circulating Tumor Cell Sorting and Single-cell Sequencing Technology
Published on: November 14, 2025
985
Image-based single-cell sorting via dual-photopolymerized microwell arrays
Tao Sun1, Joseph Kovac, Joel Voldman
1Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology , 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|December 20, 2013
Summary
We developed a cost-effective single-cell sorting method using photopolymerization to isolate cells based on imaged phenotypes. This technique allows for the retrieval of desired cell populations by encapsulating unwanted cells in a hydrogel.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Single-cell analysis is crucial for understanding cellular heterogeneity.
- Existing cell sorting methods can be expensive or complex.
- Phenotypic information is valuable for targeted cell isolation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, cost-effective method for single-cell sorting.
- To enable cell isolation based on imaged phenotypes.
- To provide a readily transferable technique for researchers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two sequential photopolymerization steps.
- Created microwells using a thiolene-based resin for cell capture.
- Encapsulated undesired cells in a hydrogel using (poly)ethylene glycol diacrylate for isolation.
Main Results:
- Quantitatively characterized the method with fluorescently labeled cells.
- Successfully isolated cells based on imaged fluorescence localization.
- Demonstrated the method's effectiveness for phenotypic cell sorting.
Conclusions:
- The described photopolymerization-based method offers a facile route for single-cell sorting.
- This technique enables isolation based on imaged cellular phenotypes.
- The method is cost-effective and transferable to other labs.
