Microfluidic Cell Labeling by Compression-Induced Membrane Poration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering imaging agents into cells are inefficient, slow, and often damage the cells, limiting their viability and biological functionality.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a compressive element is used to create transient pores in cell membranes, allowing efficient delivery of imaging agents through diffusion, convection, or a combination of both, while maintaining cell viability and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to deliver imaging agents into cells, then delivery can be achieved, but the process is inefficient, slow, and damages cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical delivery methods (such as microinjection or electroporation) with a chemical osmotic system. The imaging agent is delivered through osmotic pressure differential created by a semipermeable membrane, eliminating mechanical stress and electrical fields that damage cells. This substitution of mechanical delivery with osmotic-driven delivery resolves the contradiction by achieving efficient transport without cell damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a semipermeable membrane as an intermediary between the imaging agent reservoir and the cell. This membrane selectively allows imaging agent molecules to pass while maintaining osmotic pressure differential, enabling controlled delivery without direct mechanical contact that would damage the cell. The membrane acts as a mediator that facilitates efficient delivery while protecting cell integrity.
2Speed
If conventional delivery methods are used, then imaging agents can enter cells, but the process is slow and reduces cell viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delivery parameter from mechanical force or electrical field to osmotic pressure gradient. By controlling the osmotic pressure differential across the semipermeable membrane, the delivery speed is dramatically increased while maintaining gentle conditions that preserve cell viability. The osmotic parameter allows rapid equilibration of imaging agent concentration without the harmful effects of conventional high-speed delivery methods.
3Measurement precision
If imaging agents are delivered into cells, then cell imaging capability is enhanced, but conventional methods cause cell damage and reduce functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the osmotic pressure gradient, which could potentially harm cells through excessive water influx, into a beneficial delivery mechanism. By using the osmotic gradient to drive imaging agent transport through the semipermeable membrane, the system achieves enhanced imaging capability while the gradual, controlled nature of osmotic delivery actually protects cell functionality rather than compromising it.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enables rapid and uniform delivery of imaging agents into cells, enhancing cell imaging capabilities with high efficiency and minimal damage.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the fluid to flow through the channel in contact with the compressive element, wherein the contact causes formation of at least one pore in a membrane of the cell
Implementation Method 2
allowing efficient delivery of imaging agents through diffusion, convection, or a combination of both
Implementation Method 3
allowing efficient delivery of imaging agents through diffusion, convection, or a combination of both
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for cell processing, including delivery of imaging agents into cells. The methods and systems may comprise the use of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device may comprise a channel comprising a compressive element. The compressive element may be configured to reduce a volume of the cell and facilitate the formation of one or more transient pores in a cell membrane of the cell. The one or more pores may permit one or more imaging agents to enter the cell. Also provided are modified cells produced using the disclosed methods and systems and methods of imaging the modified cells in a subject.