Single-Cell-on-a-Chip Platform for Metabolite Sensing and Integrated Analysis

• Project promoter: State scientific research institute Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology
• Project partner: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
• Implementation period: 01.11.2012–30.04.2016;
• Budget: 2.470.730 LTL

Short project description

The aim of the Project is to provide a new platform for spatially-resolved, single cell-level detection of metabolites that participate in different signaling processes. Namely, a solid surface-supported molecular architecture will be designed for mimicking the natural environment of individual living cells. It will contain integrated sensing elements allowing intra- and extracellular detection of metabolites. In principle, the platform will consist of a micrometers-sized docking area for single cell adhesion with an array of precisely positioned submicrometer-sized sensors for measuring metabolite production and secretion. This chip platform will enable the use of advanced analytical methods such as super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques, imaging surface plasmon resonance (iSPR), scanning probe microscopy and electrochemistry. Our chip platform will then be employed for characterizing the interplay between extra-and intracellular metabolites in mammalian cells.