Non-Contact Cell Manipulation via Multiphysics Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single-cell manipulation techniques often dissociate cells from their tissue samples, losing spatial arrangement and making it difficult to analyze cellular interactions and diseases like cancer effectively.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact cell manipulation system using a multiphysics microfluidic probe that combines electropermealization with hydrodynamic flow confinement to manipulate cells without physical contact, allowing for precise spatiotemporal analysis and manipulation of single cells within their original tissue organization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If contact-based cell manipulation methods (micromanipulation, laser capture microdissection, FACS) are used, then cell isolation capability is improved, but spatial arrangement of cells is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based manipulation with a non-contact dielectrophoresis-based system. The microelectrode array generates electric field gradients that manipulate cells without physical contact, thereby preserving spatial arrangement while achieving cell isolation and manipulation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manipulates cells by changing electric field parameters (voltage, frequency, electrode configuration) rather than using mechanical forces. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the system can selectively manipulate cells based on their dielectric properties while maintaining their spatial positions in the tissue sample.
2Measurement precision
If cells are extracted from tissue samples for single-cell analysis, then single-cell manipulation precision is improved, but cellular environment context is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tissue sample into individually addressable regions using a microelectrode array, where each electrode or electrode combination can manipulate specific cells or groups of cells. This allows precise single-cell manipulation while keeping cells within their original tissue context and spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric field acts as an intermediary between the manipulation system and the cells. Instead of direct mechanical contact that would disrupt the cellular environment, the electric field mediates the manipulation process, allowing precise control while preserving the natural cellular context and interactions.
3Ease of operation
If microfluidics-based cell isolation is used, then cell manipulation operations are improved, but spatial organization of tissue is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces microfluidics-based mechanical manipulation with electric field-based dielectrophoresis. This substitution eliminates the need for physical transport through microchannels that would disrupt spatial organization, while maintaining ease of operation through programmable electric field control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the necessary manipulation function (cell selection and positioning) from the complex microfluidics system, implementing it through a simpler microelectrode array that can be integrated directly with the tissue sample without requiring cell extraction or transport through complex fluidic pathways.
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
Enables the precise manipulation and analysis of single cells while maintaining their spatial configuration, providing insights into cellular interactions and diseases without disrupting the cellular environment, enhancing our understanding of cellular networks and organ developmental processes.
Implementation Method 1
the probe is configured to utilize electropermealization in combination with hydrodynamic flow confinement to perform non-contact cell manipulation
Implementation Method 2
the probe is configured to utilize electropermealization in combination with hydrodynamic flow confinement to perform non-contact cell manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact cell manipulation system comprises a supporting member, a micro-positioner, a probe holder having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end connected to the micro-positioner, a probe adapter removably connected to the distal end of the probe holder and a non-contact multiphysics probe fluidly and electrically connected to the probe adapter, wherein the probe includes at least one electrode, at least one aperture, and wherein the probe is configured to utilize electropermealization and electroheating in combination with hydrodynamic flow confinement to perform non-contact cell manipulation. A non-contact multiphysics probe and non-contact cell manipulation method are also disclosed.