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Separating Beads and Cells in Multi-channel Microfluidic Devices Using Dielectrophoresis and Laminar Flow
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Selective Retrieval of Individual Cells from Microfluidic Arrays Combining Dielectrophoretic Force and Directed
Pierre-Emmanuel Thiriet1, Joern Pezoldt2, Gabriele Gambardella1
1Laboratory of Life Sciences Electronics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, CH, Switzerland.
Micromachines
|April 5, 2020
Summary
This study presents a microfluidic device for isolating and recovering single cells using dielectrophoretic forces. Recovered cells show minimal molecular profile changes, enabling new single-cell analysis possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microfluidic platforms offer single-cell analysis but struggle with long-term cell recovery and phenotype assessment.
- Current methods often require complex off-chip procedures, limiting integrated analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microfluidic device for single-cell isolation, selective retrieval, and off-chip recovery.
- To enable on-chip manipulation and analysis of individual cells with minimal molecular alteration.
Main Methods:
- Integration of 3D electrodes within a microfluidic channel for dielectrophoretic (DEP) force application.
- Selective release of single cells using negative DEP force and subsequent hydrodynamic coordination.
- Utilizing micro-engineered pneumatic valves for cell mitigation to a recovery well.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated selective capture and release of single cells in standard culture medium.
- Transcriptional analysis confirmed only marginal molecular profile alteration post-DEP manipulation.
- Showcased successful off-chip recovery of viable single cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic system effectively isolates, retrieves, and recovers single cells.
- The system minimizes molecular changes, preserving cell integrity for downstream analysis.
- This technology advances capabilities for long-term single-cell studies and manipulation.
