Summary:
UCLA researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel fabrication method for single-cell trapping devices.
Background:
Single-cell analysis is critical to personalized medicine, diagnostics, and biomedical research, as it allows researchers to identify, isolate, and expand desired cell subpopulations. Existing methods of single cell mapping include flow cytometry and microfluidic devices, both of which have limited spatial resolution and precision. Other methods involve the use of acoustic manipulation devices, which lack the resolution and control required for high density and large area single cell analysis. Other methods are also limited by complex fabrication techniques that produce devices with inconsistent dimensions, limiting their scalability and applicability in high throughput image-based single cell analysis. There remains an unmet need for a precise and scalable method to fabricate single cell trapping devices.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed a novel laser-based fabrication method that advances single-cell trapping technology. This technology improves upon developments made in their previous innovation, Mechanisms and Devices Enabling Arbitrarily Shaped, Deep-Subwavelength, Acoustic Patterning (UC Case No. 2019-852). Using near-infrared (NIR) pulsed laser processing, the inventors form air cavities with sub-wavelength resolution beneath a membrane, allowing the formation of precise and highly dense patterns. This technique enables real-time control over the location, density and shape of the cavity, allowing the fabrication of arrays with various architectures capable of trapping single cells. The reported innovation utilizes graphite-coated substrates, making it cost effective and scalable as it eliminates the need for cleanroom facilities. This novel fabrication technique can revolutionize the use of single cell trapping devices in medicine and cell-based research, democratizing the widespread applicability of these devices.
Potential Applications:
• Single cell analysis
• Drug screening
• Microbial studies
• Personalize medicine
Advantages:
• High precision
• Scalable
• Customizable patterns
• Biocompatible
• Cost-effective
• High throughput capability
Relevant publications:
• Xiang Zhang, Jacob Smith, Amanda Chengyi Zhou, Jacqueline Thuy-Tram Duong, Tong Qi, Shilin Chen, Yen-Ju Lin, Alexi Gill, Chih-Hui Lo, Neil Y. C. Lin, Jing Wen, Yunfeng Lu and Pei-Yu Chiou, "Large-Scale Acoustic Single Cell Trapping and Selective Releasing", Lab on a Chip, 22 Jan 2025. doi.org/10.1039/D4LC00736K
• UCLA Reference No. 2019-852-2: Arbitrarily Shaped, Deep Sub-Wavelength Acoustic Manipulation for Microparticle and Cell Patterning; https://patents.google.com/patent/US20220203359A1/fr
• Zhang, X., Sun, R., Lin, Y.-J.,Gill, A., Chen, S., Qi, T., Choi, D., Wen, J., Lu, Y., Lin, N. Y.C., Chiou, P.Y., “ Rapid prototyping of functional acoustic devices using laser manufacturing,” Lab on a Chip, 22, 4327 – 4334, DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00725h, 2022.
• Tung, K.-W., Chung, P.-S., Wu, C., Man, T., Tiwari, S., Wu, B., Chou, Y.F., Yang, F.L., Chiou, P.Y., “Deep, sub-wavelength acoustic patterning of complex and non-periodic shapes on soft membranes supported by air cavities,” Lab on a Chip, 19, 3714 - 3725, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9LC00612E
Development-To-Date:
First successful demonstration of the invention has been completed as of November, 2024.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2025-115
Lead Inventor:
Pei-Yu "Eric" Chiou