A method for isolating, transferring and orienting single cells which have been critical point dried

We present a method for handling individual dried cells so that precise orientation can be achieved as they are placed on a substrate. A static neutralizer gun was used to establish a charge, opposite to the cell surface charge, on a pin used to manipulate individual cells onto a suitable substrate having the same charge as the carrier, or a substrate having a sticky surface. Once the surface charges are established, handling of individual cells can be accomplished with ease so that precise orientation of the cells on the substrate is possible. Cells on the charged substrate are unaffected by either low pressures (10(-6) torr) or the ionic environment of a sputter coater.