Abstract:
Analysis of single cells is important for a complete understanding of the heterogeneity that is present in cell behavior and function. Current single cell analysis methods provide high throughput information about labeled compounds within cells, but in most cases cannot follow the dynamic processes occurring in signaling pathways. New microfluidic methods have also been developed to assay fast timescale responses or create uniform environments to study cell behavior in a more quantitative manner.
I will present novel microfluidic methods to conduct single cell analysis in more uniform environments combined with the ability to analyze fast kinetic reactions. This is a robust platform that can collect data from tens to hundreds of cells simultaneously. I will demonstrate the function and fabrication of this device, followed by methods to analyze intracellular molecules. Next I will discuss results of using these devices for fast timescale analysis of pore-forming toxin insertion into membranes. I will then present preliminary data for assays of single cell enzyme content using fluorogenic compounds. Finally, long term culture and future work will be covered.
Publication date:
May 31, 2006
Publication type:
Ph.D. Dissertation
Citation:
Di Carlo, D. (2006). Microfluidic Technologies for Single Cell Analysis. (n.p.): University of California, Berkeley with the University of California, San Francisco.