Microfluidic Chip for Simultaneous Loading and Injection of a Single Cell by Using Rack and Pinion Mechanisms

We present a novel microinjection chip, which combines a pinion-rack cell loader and a 3-dimensional bubble injector probe, in order to increase the efficiency of microinjection and simplify it. The loader features a powerful interaction with magnets, capable of lifting as much as 20 grams with a 400mT strong magnet. Additionally, the bubble injector is easy to use while also being reliable in doing microinjections. Consequently, not only that the loader can work under harsh conditions, it does so while maintaining a high throughput of up to 16 gel beads (as the model of cells) per minutes. Combining this reliable loader with the easily operated injector, this chip will allow anyone with little to no training to perform microinjections.