A unique cell tray microsive (CTM) for continuous observation and bio manipulation of individual living cells

Summary form only given. Many questions concerning cellular responses to antigens, carcinogens, drugs, growth factors, and hormones cannot be addressed with even the most sophisticated flow through cytometry since they require the observation of same treated sample along intervals of seconds, minutes, hours or days. This need is even more problematic when non-adhesive cells are under investigation, since even static cytometry does not allow repeated observation, while manipulating the sample. In order to overcome these shortcomings, a unique Cell Tray Microsive (CTM) was developed, via MEMS technology, which allows continuous observation and bio manipulation of individual living cells. The CTM enables the localization of individual cells in pre-determined locations. In this study, individual cells were localized 20 μm apart in a matrix format on the CTM. The held cells can be then subjected to biological manipulations while maintaining their identity-location. For observation, the CTM is mounted on a computer-controlled stage that enables repeated multiscanning of the same cells via an ´in-house´ developed, multiparametric, computerized, Discrete Static Cytometer (DSC). In this presentation, the methodology, fabrication, and performance of the CTM will be demonstrated