Smart Droplet Microfluidic System for Single-Cell Selective Lysis and Real-Time Sorting Based on Microinjection and
Zhihang Yu1, Jing Jin1, Siyuan Chen1
1Center for Microflows and Nanoflows, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|August 15, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a smart droplet microfluidic system for selective single-cell lysis and sorting. The automated system enhances rare cell analysis in complex samples with high efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Analyzing rare cells in complex samples like blood and biopsies requires selective lysis of target single cells, which is challenging.
- Droplet microfluidics offers a promising platform for advanced single-cell analysis due to its ability to handle small volumes and isolate individual cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a smart droplet microfluidic system for automated, selective single-cell lysis and real-time sorting.
- To improve the efficiency and accuracy of targeting and lysing specific rare cells within complex biological samples.
Main Methods:
- A Python-based custom program integrated image recognition for identifying target droplets and single cells.
- Microinjection techniques combined with feedback-controlled voltage and injection pressure were used for precise droplet manipulation.
- The system was tested for selective lysis solution injection into target cells and subsequent real-time sorting.
Main Results:
- The droplet injection scheme achieved near 100% efficiency with image feedback, a significant improvement from 2.5%.
- Selective injection of cell lysis solution into target single-cell droplets was successfully demonstrated.
- The system achieved up to 73% efficiency in sorting single K562 cells and a 75.2% success rate in targeting K562 cells within mixed samples (K562 and HUVECs).
Conclusions:
- The developed smart droplet microfluidic system enables automated and selective single-cell lysis, overcoming previous technical difficulties.
- This technology provides a valuable tool for rare cell analysis and opens new avenues for integration with other detection methods in single-cell research.
