CAREER: A microfabricated sorting cytometer for screening complex phenotypes

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Joel Voldman BES-0346911 The objective of this proposed research is to develop microtechnology that enables the acquisition of novel types of biological data to help understand how cells work. Specifically, a sorting cytometer will be developed that will enable facile screening of cells based upon visual information. Such screens are limited by the technology available to observe and then isolate cells. Microfabrication technology will be used to generate large arrays of single-cell traps that use electric fields to hold, observe, and then selectively release individual cells, enabling the cytometer. A new trap geometry that permits scaling to biologically relevant cell numbers will be developed and verified, along with the support systems needed for performing multi-hour assays. Finally, assays will be performed to assess the impact of the cytometer on cell health, including viability, long-term cell growth, and induction of the stress response. The research plan will culminate in a functional system ready for real screens. This will have the broader impact of enabling the understanding of biological systems, which directly impacts human health. The educational plan aims to introduce biotechnology, microtechnology, and nanotechnology to high school students. This will be undertaken by creating lectures with portable demos, a lab tour with demos, and bringing students into the lab for multi-week research experiences. These will be broadcast first to a diverse set of programs at MIT, in Cambridge, and in Boston. These modules can then be repeated, for different groups of high school students, either at MIT or at the local high-school community.