Characterization of cellular chemical dynamics using combined microfluidic and Raman techniques

The integration of a range of technologies including microfluidics, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and confocal microspectroscopy has been successfully used to characterize in situ single living CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cells with a high degree of spatial (in three dimensions) and temporal (1 s per spectrum) resolution. Following the introduction of a continuous flow of ionomycin, the real time spectral response from the cell was monitored during the agonist-evoked Ca(2+) flux process. The methodology described has the potential to be used for the study of the cellular dynamics of a range of signalling processes.