Vertical and horizontal confocal imaging of single cells on magnetically handleable microplates

In this study, we purpose the microfabricated system to manipulate single host cells of parasites toward the analysis of invasion at single cell level. We fabricated the microplates made from Parylene and modified the shape and structure of surface by using lithography techniques. This device is able to not only control the shape and morphology of adhering host cells, but also handle them maintaining their adherent property. The ability to manipulate single adherent host cells reveals the unknown triggered key for parasite invasion. This method can be an attractive platform for the manipulation of host cells, the observation of invading microbes and the analysis of interaction between microbe and host cells.