A microfabrication-based dynamic array cytometer.
We have developed a microfabricated device for use in parallel luminescent single-cell assays that can sort populations upon the basis of dynamic functional responses to stimuli. This device is composed of a regular array of noncontact single-cell traps. These traps use dielectrophoresis to stably confine cells and hold them against disrupting fluid flows. Using quantitative modeling, we have designed traps with a novel asymmetric extruded-quadrupole geometry. This new trap can be physically arrayed and electrically addressed, enabling our cytometer. Situating an array of these traps in a microchannel, we have introduced cells into the array and demonstrated observation of fluorescent dynamic responses followed by sorting. Such a device has potential for use in investigating functional processes, as revealed by temporal behavior, in large numbers of single cells.
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139, USA. voldman@mit.edu
Joel
J
Voldman
Martha L
ML
Gray
Mehmet
M
Toner
Martin A
MA
Schmidt
D002469:Cell Separation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004566:Electrodes; D018922:HL-60 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008904:Miniaturization