Cell sorting apparatus and methods for manipulating cells using the same
OwnerRebecca Braff, Joel Voldman +3inventors
InventorsRebecca Braff, Joel Voldman, Martha Gray, Martin Schmidt, Mehmet Toner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cell analysis and sorting apparatus is capable of monitoring over time the behavior of each cell in a large population of cells. The cell analysis and sorting apparatus contains individually addressable cell locations. Each location is capable of capturing and holding a single cell, and selectively releasing that cell from that particular location. In one aspect of the invention, the cells are captured and held in wells, and released using vapor bubbles as a means of cell actuation. In another aspect of the invention, the cells are captured, held and released using electric field traps.
Claims48
A method for analyzing a cell population, comprising:
- providing a cell sorting apparatus having an array of sites, each site including a capture mechanism comprising a well that is capable of capturing a single cell, and a release mechanism comprising an actuator coupled to the well for selectively releasing the single cell from its site;
- introducing a fluid medium containing a plurality of cells onto the apparatus;
- capturing at least one cell in a well;
- identifying a cellular response in the at least one captured cell;
- and
- selecting at least one captured cell based on the cellular response.
A method for sorting individual cells in a cell population, comprising:
- providing a cell sorting apparatus having an array of sites, each site including a capture mechanism comprising a well that is capable of capturing a single cell, and a release mechanism comprising an actuator coupled to the well for selectively releasing the single cell from its site;
- introducing a fluid medium containing a plurality of cells onto the apparatus;
- capturing at least one cell in a well;
- selecting a captured cell;
- and
- releasing the selected, captured cell from the apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.