The analysis and real time biochemical sensing of single cells has been a significant challenge but one that could provide significant information related to the heterogeneity of tissue samples of relevance to the diagnosis and treatment of a range of diseases. Previously, we described a self-folding approach in the form of single cell grippers that were shown to capture and contain single fibroblast and red blood cells [1]. The highlight of the approach is that the energy required for gripping actuation was derived from bilayer stress release in biocompatible silicon monoxide and dioxide thin films, requiring no wiring, tethers or batteries. Hence the approach could be implemented either on substrates or in fluid samples. In addition since the devices completely wrap around single cells they offer a truly 3D approach for cell capture and sensing with high signal to noise ratios. In this talk, we describe strategies to pattern these self-folding devices using optical elements for spectroscopic sensing and analysis. Specifically, we describe architecting optical and spectroscopic sensing strategies that exploit endogenous contrast and make use of novel plasmonic tags for single cell sensing. [1] K. Malachowski, M. Jamal, Q. Jin, B. Polat, C. Morris, and D. H. Gracias, Self-folding single cell grippers, Nano Letters, 2014, DOI: 10.1021/nl500136a.

Single cell capture and biochemical analysis using self-folding biocompatible devices

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.