Microfluidic device for true single-cell encapsulation
BACKGROUND
Technologies based on droplet microfluidics have facilitated single-cell analysis, paving the way to dissect the role of tissue heterogeneity in diseases such as cancer. Droplet platforms usually operate at very high-throughput but are unable to reliably deposit single cells in droplets of any given sizes, which hinders the development of devices for processing precious samples of limited availability such as needle biopsies or isolated CT.
DESCRIPTION
Dr. Eric Brouzes has developed an innovative device for the preparation of precious samples for single cell analysis with microfluidics droplets. The device is based on a series of encapsulation modules comprised of overhang structures prior to a typical trapping chamber. overhanging structures are placed to steer cells towards the capturing streamlines, resulting in an efficient single-cell trapping (99%) while ensuring good compatibility with the encapsulation step. Dr. Brouzes has shown success rates of cell encapsulation reach 86% for fixed cells and 78% for live cells. No empty droplets are generated during the encapsulation step and most contain a single cell (99% of droplets for fixed cells).
ADVANTAGES
Able to perform single-cell encapsulation independent of the cell size. Droplet volume is dictated by the size of trapping chambers. Encapsulated cells can easily be retrieved for further processing. Allows the observation of cells before processing.
APPLICATION
single cells analysis for resesarch and diagnostics