Single cell microinjection using compliant fluidic channels

We present a fully scalable cell injection system in a lab on a chip format that allows for on-chip cell pre-processing, injection and post-processing. Injection is performed by an integrated microneedle which is actuated by the compliant deformation of the PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) fluidic channel by a single axis actuator. The needle actuation is 90.9% of the applied displacement. The cells are transported in the channel by a differential pressure and immobilized by a vacuum channel collinear to the injection needle. Using this device single-cell Xenopus Laevis eggs were successfully captured, injected and released for further processing. © 2008CBMS.