Analytical Sciences

Living Single Cell Analysis Platform Utilizing Microchannel, Single Cell Chamber, and Extended-nano Channel

Ling LIN,* Kazuma MAWATARI,*,** Kyojiro MORIKAWA,*** and Takehiko KITAMORI*,**

*Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
**Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
***Research Laboratory for Nuclear Reactors, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-N1-6 O-Okayama, Meguro, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan

Single cell analysis has been of great interest in recent years. In particular, to achieve living single cell analysis is the ultimate goal to study the dynamic process of the single cell. However, single cell volume is pL in scale, and it is difficult to realize living single cell analysis, even by microfluidic technology (nL-sub nL). Herein, a novel microfluidic platform was developed by integrating a single cell chamber and an extended-nano channel (aL-fL volume). A single cell was isolated and cultured for more than 12 h by pressure-driven flow control. In addition, an electric resistance measurement method was developed to monitor the cell viability without fluorescence labeling. This platform will provide a new method for living single cell analysis by utilizing the novel analytical functions of the extended-nano space.

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