WO2017083817 - A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT MULTIPARAMETER MEASUREMENTS IN ONE OR MORE LIVE AND FIXED CELLS
A video showing the function and assembly of this cancer research device
A microfluidic device includes a first substrate including at least one microfluidic channel and a plurality of microwells, as well as a cooperating second substrate defining multiple split-walled cell trap structures that are registered with and disposed within the plurality of microwells. A method for performing an assay includes flowing cells and a first aqueous medium into a plurality of microwells of a microfluidic device, wherein each microwell includes a cell trap structure configured to trap at least one cell. The method further comprises flowing a non-polar fluid with low permeability for analytes of interest through a microfluidic channel to flush a portion of the first aqueous medium from the microfluidic channel while retaining another portion of the first aqueous medium and at least one cell within each microwell. Surface tension at a non-polar/polar medium interface prevents molecule exchange between interior and exterior portions of microwells.
Artistic rendering of how the cells sit in these 'U'-shaped traps. The cells were caged in with a ring of glass. and sealed in this chamber. I must also say that this chamber was only 120 micrometers in diameter. trapping the 15-micrometer cancer cell. What an impossible thing to do!
The video illustrates the exchange of water for oil. The oil was intended to isolate the cells from external oxygen. And by doing this, we can monitor the oxygen consumption of the cells.
The insane task of knowing how much oxygen is used by one cell—how would one even think of doing that?
Collaboration with: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY [US]/[US]
I tested the device, and it worked as it was designed. After a few years, it was realized that human cells could be isolated one by one. This was a monumental achievement of engineering, as it was made at a microscope scale.
Patented a few years later. A major focus of this project was to make it work while also being creative and artistic with it. Solutions to difficult problems can be elegant and beautiful.
A major thanks to all who worked on this.
