Abstract

Node-Pore Sensing: A Versatile Method to Phenotype Single Cells

Lydia Sohn, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley

We have developed an electronic method to screen cells for their phenotypic profile, which we call Node-Pore Sensing (NPS).  NPS involves using a four-terminal measurement to measure the modulated current pulse caused by a cell transiting a microfluidic channel that has been segmented by a series of inserted nodes.  Previously, we showed that when segments between the nodes are functionalized with different antibodies corresponding to distinct cell-surface antigens, immunophenotyping can be achieved.  By simply inserting between two nodes a straight “contraction” channel through which cells can squeeze, we can mechanophenotype single cells, simultaneously measuring their size, resistance to deformation, transverse deformation, and ability to recover from deformation.  When the contraction channel is sinusoidal in shape, resulting in cells being periodically squeezed, mechano-NPS can also measure the viscoelastic properties of single cells.  I will describe how we have used NPS to distinguish chronological age groups and assess breast cancer susceptibility in women.