A DYNAMIC MICROARRAY DEVICE FOR SELECTIVE PAIRING AND ELECTROFUSION OF LIPOSOMES

This paper reports a microfluidic device for selective pairing and electrofusion of cell-sized liposomes. The device contains two dynamic microarrays systems arranged in a planar symmetric orientation and connected at trapping sites for capturing liposomes. In addition, electrodes made of a low melting point alloy are installed for the electrofusion of trapped liposomes. This design enables the selective pairing of target liposomes and their electrofusion. As a demonstration, we pair two species of liposomes and implement their electrofusion. We believe our device is useful for selectively fusing specific liposomes/cells with a specific size range dispersed in polydisperse bulk samples.

Automated summary

This paper presents a microfluidic device that allows for the selective pairing and electrofusion of cell-sized liposomes. The device consists of two dynamic microarray systems arranged in a symmetric orientation, connected at trapping sites for capturing liposomes. The installation of low melting point alloy electrodes enables the electrofusion of trapped liposomes. The authors demonstrate the selective pairing and electrofusion of two species of liposomes, highlighting the potential usefulness of their device in selectively fusing specific liposomes/cells in polydisperse bulk samples.