Issue 35, 2021

A ‘smart’ aptamer-functionalized continuous label-free cell catch–transport–release system

Abstract

Label-free cell sorting devices are of great significance for biomedical research and clinical therapeutics. However, current platforms for label-free cell sorting cannot achieve continuity and selectivity simultaneously, resulting in complex steps and limited reliability. Here, an immunoaffinity-based cell catch–transport–release thermo-chemo-mechanical coupling hydrogel (iCatch) device is reported. It contains a temperature-responsive hydrogel that can generate spatial movement synergically with the reversible binding of affinity handle modified. The functionalized hydrogel is embedded inside a biphasic microfluidic platform to enable cell transportation between the flows. The cell sorting capability and biocompatibility of the iCatch device were validated with CCRF-CEM cells as a proof-of-concept, and CCRF-CEM-specific aptamers with thermo-responsive affinity as well as a hydrogel with temperature-dependent volume were employed accordingly. A cell catching efficiency of ∼40% and a recovery rate of ∼70% were achieved. The iCatch device provides a high-throughput (∼900 cells mm−1 s−1) platform for cell sorting and is ultimately valuable for downstream biomedical applications.

Graphical abstract: A ‘smart’ aptamer-functionalized continuous label-free cell catch–transport–release system

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 Apr. 2021
Accepted
01 Jūl. 2021
First published
01 Jūl. 2021

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021,9, 7196-7204

Author version available

A ‘smart’ aptamer-functionalized continuous label-free cell catch–transport–release system

B. Zhang, C. Wang, Y. Du, R. Paxton and X. He, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021, 9, 7196 DOI: 10.1039/D1TB00739D

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