Single-Cell Isolation

Single cell isolation refers to isolation of individual cells from a heterogeneous population for further analysis or manipulation. It is important because it enables various downstream applications, such as study of cellular heterogeneity, identification of rare cell types, investigation of cellular function at a single cell level. Based on the design principles, microfluidics for single-cell isolation can be divide into the following types:

• Microfluidics Based on Microstructural Entrapment
  • Droplet-based microfluidics: Single cells are encapsulated by droplets in an immiscible carrier fluid.
  • Valve-based microfluidics: Pressure-controlled valves coupled with circuits of microchannels are used to trap single cells.
  • Trap-based microfluidics: Micropillar array with morphological traps confines and captures single cells in a flow-through suspension solution.
  • Microwell-based microfluidics: Microwells trap the targeted cells that are comparable in size to the well dimensions.
• Microfluidics Based on External Forces
  • Electrowetting-on-dielectric microfluidics
  • Dielectrophoresis-based microfluidics
  • Acoustics-based microfluidics
  • Magnetics-based microfluidics
• Other Microfluidics for Single Cell Isolation
  • Cell-affinity chromatography-based microfluidics
  • Immunomagnetic bead-based microfluidics

Downstream Applications of Single Cell Isolation

• Single cell sequencing
• Investigation of cell behavior
• Evaluation of cellular functions
• Study of tumor heterogeneity
• Study of disease development and progression

For more information about our single-cell isolation service, please contact us.