Patent ID: 6613211
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: B01L,G01N

Abstract:
A method for performing cell-based operations capable of identifying single cell status, employing a microfluidic device having (i) a reservoir containing cells for said cell-based operations, said reservoir containing an appropriate viable cell supporting medium, (ii) a first capillary channel in fluid transfer relationship with said reservoir, (iii) an electroosmotic pump comprising a second capillary channel in fluid receiving relationship with said first channel, (iv) an electrokinetic medium in said second capillary channel and (v) a pair of electrodes for creating an electrical field in said electrokinetic medium for moving electrokinetic medium in said second channel, and (vi) a detector, said method comprising:at least prior to adding said cells to said reservoir, contacting said cells with a compound of interest that affects the status of said cells; contacting said cells with a labeled ligand which competes with the compound of interest for binding to a cell receptor; applying an electrical field to said electrokinetic medium in said second capillary channel in a direction to remove liquid from said first channel, whereby cells move from said reservoir into said first channel; continuing removal of liquid from said first channel while moving said cells to the site of said detector, and determining the effect of said compound of interest on the status of said cells by measuring the amount of labeled ligand bound to said cells.