CNT-embedded electro-microchannel for cell electroporation

Abstract

We present a new approach for electroporating cells through a CNT-featured microfluidic device. Micro-devices have become a promising approach for cell manipulation systems. Among cell manipulations techniques, cell electroporation requires relatively higher power to disrupt membrane of cells. This requirement opposes integration of cell electroporation with other on-chip functions to achieve a full-functional point-of-care testing machine. Here we present a new approach for electroporating cells with a microfluidic chip featured by CNT on one electrode. A new methodology for embedding aligned CNT on microchannel has been presented. In the CNT-embedded device, CHO cells are passed through a forest of aligned CNTs so that the enhanced electric field near the tip of CNTs get the cells electroporated. Calcein AM dye has been used to indicate electroporation. The results show that with an operational voltage as low as 3 V CHO cells are electroporated while the yield rate of electroporation is 72% higher compared to a no-CNT device. This achievement is considerable progress toward integration of cell electroporation with other low-voltage on-chip mechanisms.