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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.08.28.672773

Capture, Confine, Characterize: High-Throughput Dielectrophoresis-Based Single-Cell Microfluidics Platform to Analyze Mammalian and Yeast Cells Using Raman Spectroscopy

Jung, B.-J.·Hohreiter, A.·Cook, D.·Hansen, L.·Taylor, S.·Kobayashi-Kirschvink, K. J.·Chaiken, J.·Guha, S.·Basu, A.
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Abstract

Single-cell analysis technologies are pivotal in unraveling complex biological mechanisms, yet existing platforms are often limited to sequencing-based end-point measurements, which fail to capture live cell dynamics. Here, we present a microfluidic- microelectronic device, the Microfluidic dielectrophoretic Arresting System (MiDAS) that employs dielectrophoresis (DEP) for high-throughput single-cell and droplet trapping in a compact array. We tested multiple trap geometries, including a 20 m-diameter DEP trap for polymer microbeads, fungal and mammalian cells, and a 40 m-diameter trap for water-in-oil droplets. The platform demonstrates broad sample compatibility, reliably immobilizing cells and beads of varying sizes. By integrating optical imaging and Raman spectroscopy, we enable rapid, non-destructive interrogation of individual cells with temporal resolution. We describe different modes of MiDAS operation to trap and manipulate single-cells or reverse emulsion droplets on demand, with applications in droplet microfluidics. Our MiDAS platforms simple fabrication, robust performance, and broad compatibility with diverse sample types position it as a versatile tool with transformative potential for single-cell analysis, offering researchers an innovative approach to interrogate cellular dynamics with unprecedented precision and throughput.

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Jung, B.-J., Hohreiter, A., Cook, D., Hansen, L., Taylor, S., Kobayashi-Kirschvink, K. J., Chaiken, J., Guha, S., Basu, A.. 2025-09-03. Capture, Confine, Characterize: High-Throughput Dielectrophoresis-Based Single-Cell Microfluidics Platform to Analyze Mammalian and Yeast Cells Using Raman Spectroscopy. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.28.672773

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