Abstract

A Single-Cell pDEP Capture Array for Nanoinjection Applications

amir tahmasebipour, Senior Scientist, Mekonos Inc.

We have designed a single-cell capture array which uses positive dielectrophoresis (pDEP) and is integration-compatible with other MEMS and microfluidic components. A pDEP array of this type enables active control of cell trapping at each site, allowing for programmatic capture and release of cells and single-cell transfection in the context of our MEMS nanoinjection platform. Well-based or size-exclusion approaches to cell capture, while capable of high yields, present difficulties with individual addressability. Our scalable, addressable trapping array uses pairs of electrodes designed to create concentrated electric fields within defined regions using pDEP, similar to existing methods for single-molecule pDEP traps. Here we describe architectures and workflows developed using numerical simulations and experimental methods which take advantage of the non-linear scaling of capture volume with electric potential and flow rate to achieve single-cell capture.