Abstract

Characterization and Separation of U937 Monocytes and U937-Differentiated Macrophages Using 3D Carbon Electrode Dielectrophoresis

Yagmur Yildizhan, PhD student, KU LEUVEN

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), one of the key players in tumor microenvironment, are involved in tumor development and progression in many cancers. Here, we will present carbon electrode dielectrophoresis (carbon-DEP) as a characterization tool to identify and separate U937 monocytes and U937-differentiated macrophages. First, we will differentiate monocytes to obtain macrophages. Next, we will apply carbon-DEP to determine specific crossover frequencies as signatures. Since DEP does not require any pre-labeling for the cells, it will allow direct characterization of cells based on their physical intrinsic properties without altering their genetic and phenotypic properties. Finally, we will verify our results using traditional assays. When we obtain their dielectrophoretic signatures, we will isolate and enrich them for high-throughput biochemical analysis.