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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2025

A Microfluidic Platform for High-throughput Single-cell Isolation and Culture

A Microfluidic Platform for High-throughput Single-cell Isolation and Culture

Published on: June 16, 2016

A digital microfluidic system with 3D microstructures for single-cell culture.

Jiao Zhai¹, Haoran Li^1,2, Ada Hang-Heng Wong³

¹State-Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, Institute of Microelectronics, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.

Microsystems & Nanoengineering

|September 27, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a digital microfluidic system with 3D microstructures for efficient single-cell isolation and long-term culture. The novel design reduces actuation voltage, minimizing cell and chip damage, and enables accurate drug sensitivity testing.

Keywords:

Electrical and electronic engineering Engineering

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Last Updated: Oct 19, 2025

A Microfluidic Platform for High-throughput Single-cell Isolation and Culture

A Microfluidic Platform for High-throughput Single-cell Isolation and Culture

Published on: June 16, 2016

Microfluidic Chips Controlled with Elastomeric Microvalve Arrays

Microfluidic Chips Controlled with Elastomeric Microvalve Arrays

Published on: October 1, 2007

Generation of Dynamical Environmental Conditions using a High-Throughput Microfluidic Device

Generation of Dynamical Environmental Conditions using a High-Throughput Microfluidic Device

Published on: April 17, 2021

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Microfluidics
Cell Biology

Background:

Digital microfluidic (DMF) systems offer precise droplet control but struggle with efficient single-cell isolation for long-term culture.
Existing methods using hydrophilic micropatches require high actuation voltages, risking cell damage and reducing DMF chip lifespan.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a DMF system with 3D microstructures for improved single-cell isolation and long-term culture.
To reduce actuation voltage and potential damage to cells and the DMF chip.

Main Methods:

Engineered on-chip 3D microstructures to create semi-closed micro-wells for cell trapping.
Utilized low-evaporation-temperature oil and surfactant to enable low-voltage droplet actuation.
Performed drug sensitivity tests on breast cancer and normal breast cells using Cisplatin.

Main Results:

Achieved approximately 20% occupancy of isolated single cells in a 30x30 array of micro-wells.
Reduced droplet actuation voltage to 36V, a four-fold decrease compared to typical 150V.
On-chip drug sensitivity test results for Cisplatin were consistent with conventional 96-well plate assays.

Conclusions:

The proposed DMF system with 3D microstructures provides an efficient, robust method for single-cell isolation and culture.
The low-voltage operation minimizes damage, enhancing cell viability and DMF chip longevity.
This technology holds significant potential for single-cell level biological research, including drug screening.