Centrifuge-based microfluidic device for trapping single cells in a drop

We describe a centrifuge-based dynamic microarray system for trapping an array of single cells from small amount of suspension. We optimized microchannel designs and centrifugal force for minimizing sample volumes and maximizing trapping efficiencies, and achieved single-cell trapping by introducing only 5 μl of cell suspension with the centrifugal force of 70 G. Trapping of cells stained with DAPI shows that single cells were trapped at desired trapping spots. This system will be applicable for single cell assays using rare or expensive cells.