UC Irvine

Single cell transfection and analysis techniques are crucial for comprehending the heterogeneity that exists between cells. Many techniques have been introduced and evolved in recent decades for single cell studies. However, there are many shortcomings to the current single cell transfection/analysis techniques. Single cell transfection techniques have limited transfection efficiency, dosage control, cell viability, and ease of fabrication. On the other hand, single cell analysis techniques are not powerful enough for spatiotemporal studies of single cells in their original microenvironment. Thus, we have developed a technique called integrated electrowetting nanoinjector/aspirator that can modify the genetic expression of single cells and aspirate femtoliter amount of cytoplasmic content for protein quantification.