6.1 Single-cell analysis and manipulation using nanofluidic devices
5 min read•august 15, 2024
Nanofluidic devices are revolutionizing single-cell analysis, offering unparalleled precision in manipulating and studying individual cells. These tiny tools isolate cells using techniques like and , enabling researchers to peek into cellular processes with incredible detail.
From genomics to proteomics, nanofluidic devices are unlocking new insights across biological fields. They're helping scientists spot rare cell types, track gene expression changes, and even analyze circulating tumor cells for cancer research. It's a game-changer for understanding cellular diversity and function.
Single-cell isolation and manipulation in nanofluidic devices
Nanofluidic device principles and techniques
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- Nanofluidic devices manipulate fluids at the nanoscale within channels or structures with dimensions less than 100 nanometers
- Single-cell isolation techniques include:
- Hydrodynamic trapping creates fluid flow patterns to capture individual cells
- uses non-uniform electric fields to move and position cells
- Optical tweezers employ focused laser beams to trap and manipulate cells
- utilizes sound waves to control cell position
- (mLSI) creates complex nanofluidic circuits for high-throughput single-cell analysis
- Enables parallel processing of multiple cells simultaneously
- Incorporates numerous valves and channels for precise fluid control
- and enable precise manipulation and extraction of cellular contents
- Allow for targeted sampling of specific cellular regions (nucleus, cytoplasm)
- Minimize cellular disruption during content extraction
Cell lysis and analysis techniques
- techniques in nanofluidic devices include:
- uses electric fields to disrupt cell membranes (rapid, minimal chemical interference)
- employs detergents or enzymes to break down cell membranes (efficient for tough cell types)
- utilizes physical forces to rupture cells (suitable for robust cells)
- enable long-term observation and manipulation of single cells
- Provide controlled microenvironments for cell growth and development
- Allow for of cellular responses to stimuli
- Integration of sensing elements enables real-time monitoring of cellular processes
- detect changes in electrical properties
- measure localized refractive index changes
- Enable continuous measurement of cellular activities without disrupting the cell
Nanofluidic devices for single-cell analysis: Advantages vs Limitations
Advantages of nanofluidic devices
- Superior spatial and temporal resolution compared to conventional bulk methods
- Allows for precise tracking of cellular processes at the nanoscale
- Enables detection of rapid cellular events (ion channel activity, exocytosis)
- Reduced sample volume requirements minimize reagent consumption
- Enables analysis of rare or limited cell populations (circulating tumor cells, stem cells)
- Reduces costs associated with expensive reagents and antibodies
- Precise control over the
- Allows for accurate replication of in vivo conditions (oxygen gradients, growth factors)
- Enables study of cell behavior under controlled stimuli
- High-throughput capabilities enable rapid analysis of large numbers of individual cells
- Reveals cell-to-cell variability often masked in bulk measurements
- Allows for identification of rare cell subpopulations
- Integration of multiple analytical steps on a single nanofluidic chip
- Reduces sample loss and contamination risks
- Streamlines workflow and increases reproducibility
Limitations and challenges
- Potential surface interactions affecting cellular behavior
- Increased surface-to-volume ratio can lead to adsorption of biomolecules
- May alter cellular responses compared to bulk conditions
- Challenges in device fabrication and reproducibility
- Requires specialized equipment and clean room facilities
- Maintaining consistent nanoscale features across devices can be difficult
- Need for specialized equipment and expertise
- Limits widespread adoption in traditional biology laboratories
- Requires interdisciplinary collaboration (engineering, biology, physics)
- Small sample volumes can lead to detection sensitivity issues
- Particularly challenging for low-abundance analytes (rare proteins, metabolites)
- Requires careful optimization of detection methods and signal amplification strategies
Applications of single-cell analysis using nanofluidic devices
Genomics and transcriptomics applications
- reveals genetic heterogeneity within cell populations
- Enables identification of rare genetic variants (cancer mutations, mosaicism)
- Allows for reconstruction of evolutionary lineages within tissues
- through single-cell transcriptomics
- Uncovers cellular subpopulations with distinct transcriptional states
- Reveals dynamic changes in gene expression during cellular processes (differentiation, disease progression)
- at the single-cell level
- Enables mapping of DNA methylation patterns in individual cells
- Allows for correlation of epigenetic states with gene expression profiles
Proteomics and metabolomics applications
- and post-translational modifications
- Reveals protein expression heterogeneity within seemingly homogeneous cell populations
- Enables detection of rare protein isoforms and modifications
- provides insights into cellular metabolism
- Allows for measurement of metabolic flux at unprecedented resolution
- Enables identification of metabolic signatures associated with specific cell states or diseases
- at the single-cell level
- Reveals heterogeneity in lipid composition among individual cells
- Enables study of lipid metabolism and signaling in rare cell types
Biomedical and clinical applications
- and their functional responses
- Enables detailed analysis of T cell and B cell receptor repertoires
- Allows for identification of rare immune cell populations (antigen-specific T cells)
- for cancer research and diagnostics
- Enables early detection and monitoring of metastatic disease
- Allows for characterization of tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance mechanisms
- through single-cell analysis
- Enables tracking of cellular differentiation during embryonic development
- Allows for reconstruction of cell lineage trees in complex tissues
-
- Enables analysis of neurotransmitter release from individual synapses
- Allows for characterization of neuronal subtypes based on molecular profiles
Designing nanofluidic devices for single-cell analysis
Material selection and device fabrication
- Selection of appropriate based on specific requirements
- Glass provides excellent optical properties and chemical resistance
- Silicon enables integration with electronic components
- Polymers (PDMS) offer flexibility and ease of fabrication
- Design of and dimensions
- Optimize fluid flow for efficient cell capture and analysis
- Consider channel size relative to target cell type (mammalian cells vs bacteria)
- Integration of , pumps, and mixers
- enable precise control of fluid flow
- provide pulse-free fluid propulsion
- (herringbone structures) enhance reagent mixing in
- and coatings to optimize cell-surface interactions
- reduce non-specific adsorption of biomolecules
- (fibronectin, collagen) promote cell attachment when desired
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings minimize cellular interactions with channel walls
Detection methods and data analysis
- Selection and integration of appropriate detection methods
- Optical detection (fluorescence microscopy, Raman spectroscopy) for biomolecule analysis
- Electrical detection (impedance measurements) for cell counting and sizing
- for comprehensive metabolite and protein analysis
- Design of sample introduction and preparation modules
- Hydrodynamic focusing for precise positioning of cells in the detection region
- On-chip filtration to remove debris and isolate target cell populations
- Droplet generation for encapsulation of single cells in aqueous compartments
- Development of data acquisition and analysis algorithms
- Real-time image processing for cell tracking and morphology analysis
- Machine learning algorithms for classification of cell types based on multi-parameter data
- Statistical methods for handling high-dimensional single-cell data (principal component analysis, t-SNE)
Key Terms to Review (52)
Acoustic Manipulation: Acoustic manipulation refers to the use of sound waves to exert forces on small particles, droplets, or biological cells, enabling precise control and movement without physical contact. This technique leverages acoustic fields generated by ultrasonic transducers, allowing for the manipulation of materials on a micro and nanoscale, making it particularly useful for applications such as single-cell analysis and the development of lab-on-a-chip devices.
Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells: Analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) refers to the study and examination of cancer cells that have detached from a primary tumor and entered the bloodstream. This process is crucial for understanding cancer metastasis, tracking disease progression, and developing targeted therapies. By isolating and characterizing CTCs, researchers can gain insights into tumor biology, monitor treatment responses, and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.
Cell lysis: Cell lysis is the process through which a cell breaks down and releases its contents, often as a result of external stressors or internal signals. This phenomenon is essential in various biological contexts, particularly in single-cell analysis and manipulation, as it allows researchers to access the cellular components for further study or application. Understanding cell lysis can help in designing experiments and devices that precisely control cellular environments to facilitate effective analysis.
Cell Sorting: Cell sorting is the process of separating and isolating specific cells from a mixed population based on distinct characteristics such as size, shape, and surface markers. This technique is crucial in various biological and medical applications, allowing researchers to study individual cell behaviors, analyze genetic material, and develop targeted therapies. By leveraging microvalves, micropumps, and nanofluidic devices, cell sorting can be performed with high precision and efficiency.
Cell Viability Assays: Cell viability assays are experimental techniques used to determine the health and functionality of cells, often assessing the ability of cells to survive under various conditions. These assays are crucial for evaluating the impact of drugs, toxins, or environmental changes on cell health, especially in the context of single-cell analysis and manipulation using nanofluidic devices, where precise measurements at the single-cell level can lead to more accurate biological insights.
Cell-adhesive proteins: Cell-adhesive proteins are specialized biomolecules that facilitate the attachment of cells to each other and to extracellular matrices. These proteins play a crucial role in various biological processes, including tissue formation, immune responses, and cellular signaling. In the context of single-cell analysis and manipulation, cell-adhesive proteins are vital for maintaining the structural integrity of cells during experiments and ensuring proper interaction within nanofluidic devices.
Cellular Microenvironment: The cellular microenvironment refers to the specific conditions and surroundings that influence a cell's behavior, including biochemical signals, physical properties, and neighboring cells. This environment plays a crucial role in cell function, impacting processes such as growth, differentiation, and response to stimuli. Understanding the cellular microenvironment is essential for single-cell analysis and manipulation, as it can significantly affect experimental outcomes and insights into cellular behaviors.
Characterization of immune cell subsets: Characterization of immune cell subsets refers to the process of identifying and categorizing different types of immune cells based on their unique markers, functions, and behaviors. This characterization is crucial for understanding the immune system's response to pathogens, diseases, and therapies. It helps in the assessment of immune responses and the development of targeted treatments in immunology and personalized medicine.
Chemical Lysis: Chemical lysis is a process that involves breaking down cellular components using chemical agents to disrupt the cell membrane, leading to the release of cellular contents. This technique is particularly important in single-cell analysis and manipulation, as it enables researchers to access and study the intracellular environment, including proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules, at the single-cell level.
Developmental Biology Studies: Developmental biology studies the process by which organisms grow and develop from a single cell into a complex multicellular structure. This field focuses on understanding the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that drive development, often using model organisms to unravel the intricate pathways involved. By studying these processes, researchers can uncover how disruptions can lead to developmental disorders or contribute to regenerative medicine applications.
Dielectrophoresis: Dielectrophoresis is a phenomenon where neutral particles experience a force when placed in a non-uniform electric field, causing them to move towards regions of higher or lower electric field strength. This effect is crucial for manipulating and analyzing cells and other particles in various applications, such as fluidic devices and separation techniques, enabling precise control at the nanoscale.
Diffusion: Diffusion is the process by which particles spread from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, driven by the random motion of molecules. In the context of nanoscale systems, diffusion is crucial for understanding how substances move within confined spaces, affecting various applications like drug delivery and single-cell manipulation.
Digital Microfluidics: Digital microfluidics is a technology that manipulates small volumes of fluids on a surface using electric fields, allowing for precise control and automation of fluid handling processes. This method integrates the advantages of microfluidics with digital electronics, enabling the creation of programmable and scalable lab-on-a-chip devices. It supports applications like single-cell analysis, droplet-based systems, and has promising market potential in various commercial sectors.
Drug Delivery: Drug delivery refers to the methods and systems used to transport pharmaceutical compounds to achieve a therapeutic effect in the body. It encompasses various technologies that enhance the efficacy and safety of drugs, ensuring they reach the target site effectively while minimizing side effects. This concept is crucial in optimizing treatment outcomes, particularly through innovative techniques that improve precision in administering medications.
Electrical lysis: Electrical lysis refers to the process of breaking down cellular structures or biological molecules using an electric field, which can facilitate the manipulation and analysis of single cells. This technique is particularly significant in nanofluidic devices, as it allows for the selective disruption of cell membranes, enabling the release of cellular contents and the study of intracellular components in a controlled manner. Additionally, electrical lysis plays a crucial role in applications such as cell sorting, analysis of genetic materials, and targeted drug delivery.
Electroosmotic Pumps: Electroosmotic pumps are devices that utilize an electric field to drive the movement of fluid through a microfluidic or nanofluidic channel. This technique is particularly useful in applications involving single-cell analysis and manipulation, as it enables precise control over fluid flow and enhances the ability to transport small volumes of liquids at the nanoscale. By leveraging the electroosmotic effect, these pumps can facilitate the delivery of reagents or samples directly to individual cells, allowing for more accurate studies and diagnostics.
Electrophysiological measurements: Electrophysiological measurements refer to techniques used to assess the electrical properties of biological cells, primarily by monitoring voltage changes or current flow across membranes. These measurements are crucial in understanding cellular functions such as signal transduction, action potentials, and ion channel activity, especially when investigating single cells using nanofluidic devices. This approach allows for high-resolution analysis and manipulation of cellular behavior at the nanoscale.
Enhanced Sensitivity: Enhanced sensitivity refers to the improved ability of a detection system to identify and measure low concentrations of analytes, particularly at the single-cell level. This concept is crucial in various applications, especially in biosensing and analytical techniques, where even minimal changes can have significant biological implications. The development of technologies that offer enhanced sensitivity can lead to breakthroughs in understanding cellular behavior, disease progression, and targeted therapies.
Epigenetic Analysis: Epigenetic analysis refers to the study of changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. This field focuses on understanding how environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and developmental stages can influence gene activity and ultimately affect an organism's traits without changing its genetic code. It plays a crucial role in single-cell analysis, especially when investigating how individual cells may express genes differently based on their unique environments or histories.
High-resolution gene expression profiling: High-resolution gene expression profiling is a powerful technique used to measure and analyze the expression levels of genes within individual cells or tissues with great detail. This method allows researchers to capture dynamic changes in gene activity, providing insights into cellular functions and states. Its high sensitivity and specificity make it particularly useful in understanding complex biological processes, such as development, disease progression, and responses to treatments.
Hydrodynamic trapping: Hydrodynamic trapping is a phenomenon where particles or cells are immobilized within a fluidic environment due to the balance of hydrodynamic forces acting on them. This technique is particularly useful in single-cell analysis and manipulation, as it allows researchers to isolate and study individual cells without the need for physical confinement. By utilizing microfluidic channels and specific flow rates, scientists can create regions of low flow where cells are effectively trapped, enabling precise control and analysis of cellular behavior and properties.
Hydrophilic Coatings: Hydrophilic coatings are thin layers of material that attract water molecules, enhancing wettability and facilitating the movement of fluids. These coatings are crucial in nanofluidic devices because they promote effective fluid handling and manipulation at the microscale, particularly in single-cell analysis where precise control over liquid interactions is essential.
Lab-on-a-chip: A lab-on-a-chip is a miniaturized device that integrates one or several laboratory functions on a single chip, often at the nanoscale, to perform complex biochemical analyses and experiments. This technology allows for rapid and efficient processing of biological samples, which is essential for applications in diagnostics, drug development, and single-cell analysis.
Laminar Flow: Laminar flow is a type of fluid motion characterized by smooth and orderly layers of fluid moving in parallel without disruption. This behavior is essential in applications involving small-scale fluid dynamics, where the Reynolds number is low, ensuring that viscous forces dominate over inertial forces. In various applications like single-cell manipulation, micromixing, and microvalve operation, laminar flow ensures precision and control in fluid movement.
Lipid profiling: Lipid profiling is the comprehensive analysis of lipid molecules within a biological sample, providing insights into the types and quantities of lipids present. This technique can help identify alterations in lipid metabolism associated with various diseases, including metabolic disorders and cancers, and is essential for understanding cellular processes at a molecular level.
Mass Spectrometry: Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. It helps in identifying the composition of a sample by converting it into ions, separating these ions based on their mass, and detecting them to provide quantitative and qualitative information. This technique plays a vital role in various fields, particularly in single-cell analysis where precise molecular identification is crucial and in collaborative projects that showcase novel nanofluidic applications.
Mechanical Lysis: Mechanical lysis refers to the process of breaking down cells through physical means, often using mechanical forces or devices. This technique is crucial in single-cell analysis and manipulation, as it allows for the efficient extraction of cellular contents without damaging delicate biological materials. It plays an essential role in various applications, including diagnostics, drug discovery, and cellular studies, particularly when integrated into nanofluidic devices that can precisely control the microenvironment for enhanced analysis.
Micro-manipulation: Micro-manipulation refers to the precise handling and manipulation of microscopic objects or cells using specialized tools and techniques, often within a controlled environment. This process is crucial for applications such as single-cell analysis and the assembly of microdevices, enabling scientists to study cellular behaviors and interactions at an unprecedented level of detail.
Microchannel: A microchannel is a small, typically less than 100 micrometers in diameter, channel designed to manipulate fluids at the microscale. Microchannels play a crucial role in applications such as chemical reactions, mixing, and separation processes, especially in the context of analyzing and manipulating individual cells. Their ability to control fluid flow and interaction with surfaces allows for precise experimentation and observation at a cellular level.
Microfluidic large-scale integration: Microfluidic large-scale integration (mLSI) refers to the technology that combines multiple microfluidic functions and devices onto a single chip, enabling complex fluid handling and analysis at a microscale. This integration allows for the creation of sophisticated lab-on-a-chip systems that can manipulate, analyze, and process small volumes of fluids, making them highly useful for applications like single-cell analysis and manipulation. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, mLSI enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of microfluidic devices.
Nanocapillaries: Nanocapillaries are ultra-small fluidic channels with diameters typically ranging from a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers, enabling the manipulation and analysis of fluids at the nanoscale. They play a crucial role in various applications, including single-cell analysis and the movement of molecules, allowing for precise control over fluid dynamics and transport phenomena. The unique properties of nanocapillaries, such as high surface-to-volume ratios and enhanced diffusion rates, make them essential in lab-on-a-chip devices for studying biological systems.
Nanofluidic channel geometries: Nanofluidic channel geometries refer to the design and configuration of channels at the nanoscale, which are essential for manipulating fluids and particles within devices that operate on the principles of nanofluidics. These geometries can control fluid flow, enhance molecular interactions, and enable precise single-cell analysis and manipulation by providing unique physical properties, such as confinement effects and increased surface-to-volume ratios that significantly affect transport phenomena.
Nanopipettes: Nanopipettes are ultra-fine, tapered glass or silicon structures used to manipulate and analyze fluids at the nanoscale, particularly for single-cell applications. They enable precise control of fluid movement, making them essential tools in single-cell analysis and manipulation, allowing researchers to investigate cellular behavior, apply localized stimuli, or introduce substances into individual cells.
Nanopore: A nanopore is a tiny hole or channel, typically measuring less than 100 nanometers in diameter, that allows the passage of molecules such as ions or DNA. These structures can be utilized to analyze and manipulate single molecules by detecting changes in ionic current as molecules pass through the pore. Their unique properties make nanopores essential tools in various applications, particularly in the fields of single-cell analysis and the numerical simulation of fluid dynamics in nanofluidic systems.
Nanowire Field-Effect Transistors: Nanowire field-effect transistors (NWFETs) are a type of transistor that utilize nanowires as the conducting channel, allowing for efficient control of electrical current at the nanoscale. These devices have unique properties due to their reduced dimensions, enabling high-speed operation and low power consumption, making them particularly suitable for applications in single-cell analysis and manipulation.
Neuroscience applications: Neuroscience applications refer to the practical uses of neuroscience knowledge and techniques to study, diagnose, and treat neurological disorders, as well as to enhance understanding of brain function. These applications can greatly benefit from advanced technologies like nanofluidic devices, which allow for precise manipulation and analysis of single cells, including neurons, and can provide insights into cellular behaviors and interactions at the nanoscale.
On-chip cell culture systems: On-chip cell culture systems are advanced microfluidic platforms designed to grow and manipulate cells in a controlled environment, integrating multiple functions on a single chip. These systems enable precise control over cellular microenvironments, facilitating real-time monitoring and analysis of cell behavior, which is crucial for applications such as drug testing and disease modeling.
On-chip valves: On-chip valves are microfabricated devices used to control the flow of fluids within a lab-on-a-chip system. These valves play a critical role in managing fluid movement at the microscale, allowing for precise manipulation of small volumes of liquids in applications such as single-cell analysis and other biochemical processes. By enabling the selective opening and closing of fluid pathways, on-chip valves enhance the functionality and versatility of nanofluidic devices.
Optical Microscopy: Optical microscopy is a technique that uses visible light and a system of lenses to magnify and visualize small objects, often at the cellular or subcellular level. This method is crucial for examining biological samples, as it allows researchers to observe the structure and behavior of single cells in detail. Its application in nanofluidic devices enhances the ability to manipulate and analyze cells, making it an essential tool in modern biology and biophysics.
Optical Tweezers: Optical tweezers are sophisticated tools that use focused laser beams to manipulate and hold small particles, such as cells or biomolecules, in three-dimensional space. By creating a gradient force through the laser light, these tweezers can trap and move microscopic objects with high precision, making them essential for single-cell manipulation and analysis as well as in droplet-based microfluidics where controlling small volumes of liquid is crucial.
Passive Mixers: Passive mixers are microfluidic devices designed to combine two or more fluids without the need for external energy sources. They rely on physical principles like diffusion and flow dynamics to achieve mixing at the microscale, making them particularly useful in applications involving single-cell analysis and manipulation. The simplicity and low power requirements of passive mixers make them ideal for integrating into lab-on-a-chip devices, facilitating effective fluid handling in various biological assays and experiments.
Plasmonic Nanostructures: Plasmonic nanostructures are engineered materials at the nanoscale that support surface plasmon resonances, which are collective oscillations of free electrons at the surface of metals when excited by light. These structures can enhance electromagnetic fields and manipulate light at scales much smaller than the wavelength of light, making them crucial in applications like sensing, imaging, and single-cell analysis within nanofluidic devices.
Pneumatic Valves: Pneumatic valves are devices that control the flow of compressed air in a system, acting as switches to direct air to specific areas. In the context of nanofluidic devices, these valves are crucial for manipulating fluids at the micro and nano scale, allowing precise control over the movement and interaction of individual cells. Their ability to quickly respond to pressure changes makes them ideal for applications requiring rapid and controlled fluid movements, such as single-cell analysis and manipulation.
Polyethylene glycol coatings: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings are thin layers of polyethylene glycol, a biocompatible and hydrophilic polymer, applied to surfaces in order to reduce non-specific binding and improve biocompatibility. These coatings are particularly valuable in single-cell analysis and manipulation, as they facilitate interactions between nanofluidic devices and biological samples while minimizing interference from other biomolecules.
Quantification of low-abundance proteins: Quantification of low-abundance proteins refers to the process of measuring the concentrations of proteins that are present in very small amounts within a biological sample. This is particularly important in single-cell analysis, as these proteins can play critical roles in cellular functions, disease states, and overall biological processes. Accurately quantifying these proteins allows researchers to gain insights into cellular behaviors and molecular pathways that may be overlooked when only focusing on more abundant proteins.
Real-time monitoring: Real-time monitoring refers to the continuous observation and analysis of data as it is generated, allowing for immediate feedback and decision-making. This capability is essential in advanced technologies, where the dynamics of fluid behavior at the nanoscale can change rapidly, and timely interventions are necessary to optimize outcomes. By integrating sensors and data processing techniques, real-time monitoring enhances the precision of experiments and analyses, especially when dealing with single-cell interactions and complex fluid systems.
Sample Heterogeneity: Sample heterogeneity refers to the variation or diversity among individual samples within a population, especially regarding their biological, chemical, or physical properties. This concept is crucial when analyzing single cells, as it emphasizes that not all cells in a sample behave or respond the same way, which can significantly impact experimental results and interpretations.
Single-cell dna sequencing: Single-cell DNA sequencing is a technique that allows for the analysis of the genetic material from individual cells, enabling researchers to understand genetic diversity and heterogeneity at a cellular level. This method is crucial for studying complex biological systems, as it provides insights into the genetic variations that can exist among seemingly identical cells, which is essential for understanding development, disease progression, and cellular responses.
Single-cell metabolomic analysis: Single-cell metabolomic analysis is the study of the metabolites present in individual cells to understand their metabolic state and heterogeneity. This approach allows researchers to investigate variations in cellular metabolism that can provide insights into disease mechanisms, cellular responses, and the functionality of specific cell types. By focusing on single cells rather than bulk populations, this technique enhances the detection of metabolic differences that might be masked in larger samples.
Single-cell sequencing: Single-cell sequencing is a powerful technique that allows for the analysis of the genome, transcriptome, or epigenome of individual cells, providing insights into cellular heterogeneity and specific cellular functions. This method has revolutionized our understanding of biological systems by enabling researchers to study the genetic and molecular profiles of single cells, rather than averaging data from bulk populations. It connects to the manipulation and analysis of single cells using advanced nanofluidic devices, which facilitate precise handling and measurement at the nanoscale.
Substrate materials: Substrate materials are the foundational surfaces or structures upon which other layers or components are built, especially in the context of nanofluidic devices. These materials are crucial as they determine the device's physical properties, such as surface chemistry, electrical conductivity, and mechanical strength, all of which are essential for single-cell analysis and manipulation. The choice of substrate materials can influence fluid behavior at the nanoscale and affect how cells interact with the device.
Surface Modifications: Surface modifications refer to the intentional alteration of the surface properties of materials to achieve specific characteristics or functionalities. This can include changes in chemical composition, roughness, hydrophilicity, and electrical properties, which are crucial in enhancing the performance of various applications, such as improving cell adhesion in single-cell analysis, optimizing integration in lab-on-a-chip systems, ensuring effective bonding in nanofluidic devices, and enhancing separation processes.