Professor Chiou and coworkers have developed a novel microfluidic device for high throughput analysis of cells using electrorotation (ROT). Using dielectrophoresis (DEP), cells are aligned and focused within a tunnel-shaped electric field. A second set of electrical signals is then applied to rotate the focused cells and a high-speed camera is used to image the rotating cells. Post-processing analysis enables the measurement of cell size, texture, shape, and rotation speed. This technique does not require fluorescent labeling and flow throughput in the device is improved by 4 orders of magnitude compared to conventional electrorotation-based cell analysis, up to 42 cells/sec.
Abstract
UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel device for high-throughput label-free analysis of cells.
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Advantages
- Analysis of a high concentration of cells (106/mL)
- Can be used in flow mode
- Four orders of magnitude faster throughput than conventional label-free electrorotation-based cell analysis (42 cells/sec)
- Sort and analyze subpopulations of cells
Potential Applications
- Diagnosis based on cell dielectric properties
- Sorting subpopulations of cells
- 3D cell imaging and cell growth
Contact Information
Name: UCLA Technology Development Group
Email: ncd@tdg.ucla.edu
Phone: 310.794.0558