A microfluidic chip for real-time studies of the volume of single cells

Lab Chip. 2009 Jan 21;9(2):251-6. doi: 10.1039/b806003g. Epub 2008 Oct 23.

Abstract

We report a microfluidic chip that is capable of measuring volume changes in single cells in real-time. Single eukaryotic cells were immobilized in the sensing area and changes in volume in response to hypotonic challenges and drugs were measured using the electrical impedance method. Experiments on MDCK cells showed that the maximum swelling and the time course of swelling vary between individual cells following hypotonic stimulation. The microfluidic chip allows, rapid and convenient change of solutions, enabling detailed studies of various drugs and chemicals that may play important role in cell physiology at the single cell level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Size* / drug effects
  • Dogs
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology*
  • Hypotonic Solutions / pharmacology
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Hypotonic Solutions