Selective retrieval of microparticles in microchambers using electrolytically generated bubbles for cell array applications

This paper describes a method for the selective retrieval of microparticles using bubbles generated by electrolysis. Microparticles (polystyrene beads, mouse embryos, and cell spheroids) were arrayed in microchambers fabricated in SU-8 on the surface of an electrode consisting of indium tin oxide (ITO) patterned on glass. Bubbles were selectively generated in a target microchamber by applying a voltage to electrodes positioned in the microchamber. As a result, we successfully retrieved microparticles (100 mu m in diameter) positioned in the microchambers. This method is gentle enough to maintain cellular viability, and therefore, it will be a powerful tool for the quantitative analysis of cells in an arrayed system. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.