Catching and attaching cells using an array of microholes

The authors succeeded in moving and catching cells using an arrayed microholes structure combined with an immobilized antibodies layer. One microhole caught one cell. The success rate of catching cells was almost 100%. Cells are moved toward microholes with liquid flow into these microholes. Around the microholes, patterned gold was deposited and antibodies were chemically attached to it. When the cells met the antibodies placed around the microholes on the patterned gold, they attached to them. The cells were first vacuumed by the liquid flowing through the microholes then fixed by the antibody. This is the key technology to improve the efficiency of DNA insertion into cells in gene therapy. The active part of the microsystem is able to inject genes into cells using a microcapillary array injector. The microholes ensure two functions: firstly to attract and isolate cells towards the active part by means of aspiration, and secondly to inject genes into cells. The antibodies ensure the immobilization part.