Recent advances in electric analysis of cells in microfluidic systems.
Microfluidics offers an ideal platform to integrate cell-based assays with electric measurements. The technological advances in microfluidics, microelectronics, electrochemistry, and electrophysiology have greatly inspired the development of microfluidic/electric devices that work with a low number of cells or single cells. The applications of these microfluidic systems range from the detecting of cell culture density to the probing of cellular functions at the single-cell level. In this review, we introduce the recent advances in the electric analysis of cells on a microfluidic platform, specifically related to the quantification and monitoring of cells in static solution, on-chip patch-clamp measurement, and examination of flowing cells. We also point out future directions and challenges in this field.
Bao
Ning
N
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 225 South University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Wang
Jun
J
Lu
Chang
C
D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004566:Electrodes; D004581:Electronics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity