Understanding cellular dynamics of xenobiotic and ion transport are important for in-vitro drug assay since it is a critical step to estimate the performance, toxin and side effect of new drug candidates. Most current drug assays are based on the average cellular response of large cell populations. In conventional cell culture platforms the mass transport of cell cluster is affected by transport at neighboring cells. In order to study systematically xenobiotic and ion transport, isolated single cells on optofluidic multisensing platform are required. To observe cancer cells under drug exposure at a single-cell resolution while providing each cell with equivalent microenvironment provides more information-rich assay. Here we use a single cell trapping array device for drug investigations on a large amount of singles cells. The device equipped with media perfusion channel and waste exclude outlet provides best cell culture environment. The dynamic perfusion flow supplies media with/without drug to properly simulate the in-vivo drug delivery mode. Drug assays for both adherent and non-adherent cell lines were demonstrated in the device. We have evaluated dose conditions of Taxol on Hela and HL-60 cells. For Hela cells, after dose, the cells rounded up sequentially as they entering the mitotic phase and being arrested at this status. The big round cells then died with failure of division. The timing of death of each single cell was statistically analyzed. The drug resistant cells were carefully investigated. More systematic and quantitative drug assay results will be presented.
Project end date: 01/23/08