Issue 8, 2009

A microfluidic platform for probing single cell plasma membranes using optically trapped Smart Droplet Microtools (SDMs)

Abstract

We recently introduced a novel platform based upon optically trapped lipid coated oil droplets (Smart Droplet Microtools—SDMs) that were able to form membrane tethers upon fusion with the plasma membrane of single cells. Material transfer from the plasma membrane to the droplet via the tether was seen to occur. Here we present a customised version of the SDM approach based upon detergent coated droplets deployed within a microfluidic format. These droplets are able to differentially solubilise the plasma membrane of single cells with spatial selectivity and without forming membrane tethers. The microfluidic format facilitates separation of the target cells from the bulk SDM population and from downstream analysis modules. Material transfer from the cell to the SDM was monitored by tracking membrane localized EGFP.

Graphical abstract: A microfluidic platform for probing single cell plasma membranes using optically trapped Smart Droplet Microtools (SDMs)

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
26 Sep 2008
Accepted
12 Dec 2008
First published
21 Jan 2009

Lab Chip, 2009,9, 1096-1101

A microfluidic platform for probing single cell plasma membranes using optically trapped Smart Droplet Microtools (SDMs)

P. M. P. Lanigan, T. Ninkovic, K. Chan, A. J. de Mello, K. R. Willison, D. R. Klug, R. H. Templer, M. A. A. Neil and O. Ces, Lab Chip, 2009, 9, 1096 DOI: 10.1039/B816857A

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