A Multiplexed Microfluidic Platform for Precision Single-Particle Loading and ITP-Based DNA Extraction from Individual Cells

Marie Emmanuella Andjui

Marie Emmanuella Andjui San Jose State University, USA

Keywords: Microfluidics, Single-Cell Analysis, DNA Extraction, Cell Capture, Genomic Workflow, Precision Loading, ITP (isotachophoresis)

Abstract

The analysis of single cells using genomic methods has established itself as a strong method for understanding variations between cells in cancer diagnosis and developing systems and microbial populations. The critical limitation in implementing single-cell workflows is obtaining efficient cell and nucleic acid separation with high precision. This document demonstrates the complete development process of an ITP-based single-particle loader integrated with multiple components for fast DNA extraction from isolated cells with high purity.

The proposed system combines hydrodynamic forces alongside di-electrophoresis to automatically position single cells and beads into well-defined reaction chambers of a microfluidic array. The device has reaction zones with customised ITP buffers and electric field gradients for efficient genomic DNA extraction and clean concentrate acquisition. This platform design enables parallel extraction processes to handle dozens and hundreds of single cells efficiently and well.

This paper outlines how engineers solved fundamental synchronisation obstacles between single-cell retrieval and ITP start-up by developing optimal electrode setups and fluidic gate functionality and controlling electrostatic timing precisely. The evaluated system demonstrates over 90% DNA recovery success performance metrics, combined with minimal lane interference as it operates effectively with subsequent sequencing pipelines. The scalable technology allows essential applications in single-cell omics research, rare cell diagnostic procedures, and real-time cell sorting through molecular evaluations.

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