Capture, Confine, Characterize: High-Throughput Dielectrophoresis-Based Single-Cell Microfluidics Platform to Analyze...

Single-cell analysis technologies are pivotal in unraveling complex bihological mechanisms, yet existing platforms are often limited to sequencing-based end-point measurements, which fail to capture live cell dynamics. Here, we present a microfluidic-microelectronic device, the Microfluidic Dielectrophoretic Arresting System (MiDAS) that employs dielectrophoresis (DEP) for high-throughput single-cell and droplet trapping in a compact array. We tested multiple trap geometries, including a 20 µm-diameter DEP trap for polymer microbeads, fungal and mammalian cells, and a 40 µm-diameter trap for water-in-oil droplets. The platform demonstrates broad sample compatibility, reliably immobilizing cells and beads of varying sizes. By integrating optical imaging and Raman spectroscopy, we enable interrogation of individual cells with temporal resolution. We describe different modes of MiDAS operation to trap and manipulate single-cells or reverse emulsion droplets on demand, with applications in droplet microfluidics. Our MiDAS platform's simple fabrication, robust performance, and broad compatibility with diverse sample types position it as a versatile tool with transformative potential for single-cell analysis, offering researchers an innovative approach to interrogate cellular dynamics with precision and throughput.