title: Trapping single human osteoblast-like cells from a heterogeneous population using a dielectrophoretic microfluidic device.
abstract: We describe a system for the isolation, concentration, separation, and recovery of human osteoblast-like cells from a heterogeneous population using dielectrophoretic ring traps. Cells flowing in a microfluidic channel are immobilized inside an electric field cage using negative dielectrophoresis. A planar ring electrode creates a closed trap while repelling surrounding cells. Target cells are identified by fluorescent labeling, and are trapped as they pass across a ring electrode by an automated system. We demonstrate recovery of small populations of human osteoblast-like cells with a purity of 100%, which in turn demonstrates the potential of such a device for cell selection from a heterogeneous population.
authors.forename: Rupert S W
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Richard O C
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Oreffo
authors.forename: Hywel
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Morgan