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AC electric field induced dipole-based on-chip 3D cell rotation
Prateek Benhal1, J Geoffrey Chase, Paul Gaynor
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. geoff.chase@canterbury.ac.nz.
Lab on a Chip
|June 17, 2014
Summary
This study introduces a novel biochip for 3D cell rotation using alternating current electric fields. The platform enables precise control over cell manipulation for biotechnological applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Bioengineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Precise cell rotation is crucial for biotechnological applications like cell injection and nuclear transfer cloning.
- Existing cell rotation techniques lack three-dimensional (3D) manipulation capabilities on a single chip.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a novel biochip platform for achieving 3D cell rotation using alternating current (ac) induced electric fields.
- To enable precise control over cell rotation for advanced biotechnological manipulations.
Main Methods:
- An open-top biochip with sidewall and bottom electrodes was designed to generate in-plane (yaw) and out-of-plane (pitch) rotating electric fields.
- Alternating current potentials were applied to electrodes to induce cell rotation, with parameters like amplitude, frequency, and phase shift controlled.
- Transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) and micro-milling processes were used for cost-effective fabrication.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated 3D rotation of bovine oocytes (~120 μm diameter) about two axes.
- Achieved controlled rotation direction and rate (up to ~140° s⁻¹, consistently up to 40° s⁻¹) by adjusting electrical parameters and medium conductivity.
- Found no significant difference in rotation rates between zona pellucida-intact and zona pellucida-free oocytes.
Conclusions:
- The developed biochip offers a simple, transparent, and cost-effective solution for 3D cell rotation.
- The platform's open-top design facilitates integration with additional functional modules for enhanced cell manipulation.
- This technology has potential for diverse biotechnological applications requiring precise 3D cell manipulation.
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