Cell dispensing in low-volume range with the immediate drop-on-demand technology (I-DOT)

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Accurate cell handling is vital for microfabrication in cell-based assays.
• Existing methods risk cross-contamination and cell damage.
• The immediate drop-on-demand (I-DOT) technology was developed to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance and biological impact of the I-DOT technology.
• To assess cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation after I-DOT dispensing.
• To determine the suitability of I-DOT for precise cell dosage.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the I-DOT system for noncontact dispensing of cell suspensions.
• Tested with MCF-7 cell line, human fibroblasts, and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).
• Assessed cell viability, proliferation rates, and hMSC differentiation potential post-dispensing.

Main Results:

• I-DOT dispensing maintained cell viability comparable to controls across all tested cell types.
• Proliferation rates were similar to controls, with no observed apoptotic cells.
• The differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells remained unimpaired.

Conclusions:

• The I-DOT technology provides accurate and flexible noncontact liquid handling for cell dispensing.
• It ensures high cell viability and functional integrity, crucial for cell-based assays.
• I-DOT technology shows significant potential for applications requiring precise cell dosage, including single-cell applications.