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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
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A Microfluidic Chip for the Versatile Chemical Analysis of Single Cells
Published on: October 15, 2013
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Microfluidics enables multiplex evaluation of the same cells for further studies
W D Mojica1, K W Oh2, H Lee2
1Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Summary
Microfluidics enable multiplexed analysis of limited cytology specimens. Cells examined in the microfluidic channel maintain integrity for downstream DNA and protein recovery, advancing cancer diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Biomarker discovery necessitates proper triage of biospecimens, especially limited cytology samples.
- Current cytopathology methods are limited and often lack sufficient material for ancillary testing.
- A need exists for multiplexed analysis of limited cell numbers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a microfluidic approach for processing cytology specimens.
- To determine if cells from cytology samples can be recovered after microfluidic analysis.
- To enable multiplexed evaluation of limited biospecimens.
Main Methods:
- Designed, fabricated, and tested a microfluidic channel using cytology specimens.
- Compared cytological features of cells before, during, and after channel passage.
- Assessed recovery of proteins and high molecular weight DNA.
Main Results:
- Cell morphology was preserved within the microfluidic channel and upon recovery.
- Cellular integrity was maintained, allowing for protein and DNA recovery.
- High molecular weight DNA was successfully recovered.
Conclusions:
- A novel microfluidic approach enables multiplexed evaluation of cytopathology specimens.
- This method allows for cytological examination and subsequent recovery of the same cells for downstream analysis.
- The technique overcomes limitations of current methods for analyzing limited cell samples.
