Dr. Guillaume-Gentil from the Lab of Prof. Julia Vorholt (IMB, ETH Zurich) demonstrated how FluidFM technology can be used to selectively detach single cells out of a confluent cell layer. With a localized trypsin shower the cell is separated from its neighbors and then picked up by the FluidFM probe.
A simplified protocol could be applied to isolate suspended cells. This protocol also works for micro-organisms such as yeast or bacteria and is described in the following publication:
Step 1 - Chose your target cell.
Using various methods, identify the cell you would like to isolate and indicate tag it using the aiming tool of the FluidFM Arya software.
Step 2 - Shower with trypsin.
Engage with the chosen cell in order to isolate it from the adherent culture. A localized trypsin shower slowly detaches the chosen cell from the surface.
Step 3 - Pick your cell.
The cell can now be gently picked up with the FluidFM probe and placed into a target container of your choice such as a multi-well plate.
