MOVEMENT AND SELECTION OF MICRO-OBJECTS IN A MICROFLUIDIC APPARATUS

摘要

A microfluidic apparatus is provided having one or more sequestration pens configured to isolate one or more target micro-objects by changing the orientation of the microfluidic apparatus with respect to a globally active force, such as gravity. Methods of selectively directing the movements of micro-objects in such a microfluidic apparatus using gravitational forces are also provided. The micro-objects can be biological micro-objects, such as cells, or inanimate micro-objects, such as beads.

主权项

1. A microfluidic device comprising an enclosure, wherein said enclosure comprises:
a flow path configured to contain a flow of a fluidic medium; and a microfluidic sequestration pen comprising:
an isolation region; anda connection region fluidically connecting said isolation region to said flow path, wherein said isolation region includes an opening that interfaces with said connection region and said sequestration pen further comprises an obstruction or a constriction located at the interface between said connection region and the opening of said isolation region, wherein said isolation region has a volume sufficient to hold at least one target micro-object, said target micro-object being a mammalian cell, and wherein, when said microfluidic device is tilted such that said flow path is located below said sequestration pen, target micro-objects located in said isolation region are retained in said isolation region while target micro-objects located in said connection region settle into said flow path.