Isolation of microorganisms using sub-micrometer constrictions.

ABSTRACT: We present an automated method for isolating pure bacterial cultures from samples containing multiple species that exploits the cell's own physiology to perform the separation. Cells compete to reach a chamber containing nutrients via a constriction whose cross-sectional area only permits a single cell to enter, thereby blocking the opening and preventing other cells from entering. The winning cell divides across the constriction and its progeny populate the chamber. The devices are passive and require no user interaction to perform their function. Device fabrication begins with the creation of a master mold that contains the desired constriction and chamber features. Replica molding is used to create patterned polymer chips from the master, which are bonded to glass microscope cover slips

SUBMITTER: Tandogan N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4076310 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature