Development of Microfluidic Particle Pairing Device for Single Cell Analysis

Abstract

Microfluidic-based single cell analysis is the promising avenue to address challenges in cell biology. In this paper, we present a microfluidic-based single cell analysis that enables multiplex assay with various shape-encoded hydrogel particles encapsulating chemicals. The shape-encoded hydrogel particles are photopolymerized with individual codes corresponding to chemicals inside. We analyzed chemical encapsulation and release characteristics of hydrogel particles in real-time using fluorescent dye. The microfluidic platform comprises 108 arrays for pairing of cells and particles. Since there is no cross contamination among arrays, the platform was utilized to perform independent multiplex assay in one chip. While conducting single cell analysis in microfluidic chip, 3T3-J2 fibroblast and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) were used mainly. NDGA, which is an inhibitor of carboxylesterases, was released from the hydrogel particles and the target cells were exposed to the released drug. The administration of NDGA to cells strongly affected the level of fluorescence intensity. This assay will be applied to analysis of a variety of intracellular enzymes for multiplex assay.