Measuring single cell mass, volume, and density with dual suspended microchannel resonators.

ABSTRACT: Cell size, measured as either volume or mass, is a fundamental indicator of cell state. Far more tightly regulated than size is density, the ratio between mass and volume, which can be used to distinguish between cell populations even when volume and mass appear to remain constant. Here we expand upon a previous method for measuring cell density involving a suspended microchannel resonator (SMR). We introduce a new device, the dual SMR, as a high-precision instrument for measuring single-cell mass, volume, and density using two resonators connected by a serpentine fluidic channel. The dual SMR designs considered herein demonstrate the critical role of channel geometry in ensuring proper mixing and damping of pressure fluctuations in microfluidic systems designed for precision measurement.

SUBMITTER: Bryan AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3895367 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature