Abstract:
A method is provided including coupling magnetic beads to a population of cells in a fluid sample to form magnetically-labeled cells, magnetically separating the magnetically-labeled cells from non-magnetically-labeled cells in the fluid sample, and separating target cells from non-target cells of the magnetically-labeled cells based on a size difference between the magnetically-labeled target cells and the magnetically-labeled non-target cells. A microfluidic device is provided including a fluidic pathway traversing a magnetic isolation region and a size-based isolation region. The magnetic isolation region includes a magnet positioned to separate magnetically-labeled cells from non-magnetically labeled cells in the magnetic isolation region. The size-based isolation region includes a separator configured to separate cells less than a threshold size from cells greater than a threshold size.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for analysis of individual particles in a microfluidic device. The methods involve the immobilization of an array of particles in suspension and the application of experimental compounds. Such methods can also include electrophysiology studies including patch clamp recording, electroporation, or both in the same microfluidic device. The apparatus provided includes a microfluidic device coupled to a multi-well structure and an interface for controlling the flow of media within the microchannel device.