Hydrogel droplet single-cell processing: DNA purification, handling, release, and on-chip linearization
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Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Gradient Strain Chip for Stimulating Cellular Behaviors in Cell-laden Hydrogel
Published on: August 8, 2017
Philip Zimny, David Juncker, Walter Reisner1
1Department of Physics, McGill University, 3600 Rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada.
Abstract:
The preparation and handling of mammalian single-cell genomic DNA is limited by the complexity bottleneck inherent to performing multi-step, multi-reagent operations in a microfluidic environment. We have developed a method for benchtop preparation of high-molecular weight, intact, single-cell genomes and demonstrate the extraction of long nucleic acid molecules in a microfluidic system. Lymphoblasts are encapsulated inside of alginate microparticles using a droplet microfluidics, and cells are lysed in bulk. The purified genomes are then delivered to and imaged on a dedicated microfluidic device. High-molecular weight DNA is protected from shear and retains its original cellular identity. Using this encapsulation protocol, we were able to extract individual nucleic acid strands on the millimeter scale inside of a microfluidic channel.
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