Cell ‘trap a D Release’ Usi G Ovel Microfluidic ‘hydraulic Jump’ Trap

Cell ‘trap and release’ in microfluidic devices is critical for on-chip concentration purposes and dynamic microarrays. However, most existing mechanical trapping modalities lack release capabilities and some employ very complex or abrasive trapping mechanisms. Here we describe a novel cell ‘trap and release’ device, which employs principles similar to the ‘hydraulic jump’ phenomenon in nature. This new microfluidic ‘hydraulic jump’ trap is gentle on cells, allows hydrodynamic control over ‘trap and release,’ and enables rapid mass transfer of nutrients and analytes. Hence, it provides a new platform to analyze and manipulate living cells in physiological microenvironments.