Dr. Guillaume-Gentil from the Lab of Prof. Julia Vorholt (IMB, ETH Zurich) demonstrated how FluidFM technology can be used to selectively detach single cells out of a confluent cell layer. With a localized trypsin shower the cell is separated from its neighbors and then picked up by the FluidFM probe.
A simplified protocol could be applied to isolate suspended cells. This protocol also works for micro-organisms such as yeast or bacteria and is described in the following publication:
Guillaume-Gentil, O., Zambelli, T., & Vorholt, J. A. (2014). Isolation of single mammalian cells from adherent cultures by fluidic force microscopy. Lab on a Chip, 14(2), 402–414.
1. Chose your target cell
Using various methods, identify the cell you would like to isolate and indicate tag it using the aiming tool of the FluidFM Arya software.
2. Shower with trypsin
Engage with the chosen cell in order to isolate it from the adherent culture. A localized trypsin shower slowly detaches the chosen cell from the surface.
3. Pick your cell
The cell can now be gently picked up with the FluidFM probe and placed into a target container of your choice such as a multi-well plate.
Single Cell Sorting with FluidFM
Isolate adherent or suspended cells.