High Throughput Single Cancer Cell Encapsulation and Self Sorting for Protease Assay by Using Jetting Microfluidics

In this work, a droplet microfluidic device integrated with droplet sorting function was presented for single cancer cell encapsulations and protease activity measurements. Individual cells were encapsulated into aqueous droplets at flow focusing junction under jetting conditions. Droplets with cells encapsulated inside are larger than other empty droplets, enabling effective droplet sorting through a deterministic lateral displacement micro-pillar design. All droplets with cells are therefore collected by an observation chamber for enzymatic activity monitoring. Here we focused on measuring matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) secretion intensities at the individual cell level to obtain further insights into the malignant characteristics of these cells .