Separation of neural stem cells by whole cell membrane capacitance using dielectrophoresis

Abstract

Whole cell membrane capacitance is an electrophysiological property of the plasma membrane that serves as a biomarker for stem cell fate potential. Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) that differ in ability to form neurons or astrocytes are distinguished by membrane capacitance measured by dielectrophoresis (DEP). Differences in membrane capacitance are sufficient to enable the enrichment of neuron- or astrocyte-forming cells by DEP, showing the separation of stem cells on the basis of fate potential by membrane capacitance. NSPCs sorted by DEP need not be labeled and do not experience toxic effects from the sorting procedure. Other stem cell populations also display shifts in membrane capacitance as cells differentiate to a particular fate, clarifying the value of sorting a variety of stem cell types by capacitance. Here, we describe methods developed by our lab for separating NSPCs on the basis of capacitance using several types of DEP microfluidic devices, providing basic information on the sorting procedure as well as specific advantages and disadvantages of each device.

Detection of Rare Objects by Flow Cytometry: Imaging, Cell Sorting, and Deep Learning Approaches

“…The separation of neuron and astrocyte progenitors is crucial to improve the purity of transplanted stem cells in clinical therapy. Adams et al demonstrated that these subpopulations could be effectively separated by the alternate current (AC) DEP due to the different electrophysiological properties of the cell membranes (whole-cell membrane capacitance) revealing at a certain stage of the cell differentiation [204]. Previously, El-Badawy et al examined the electrophysiological properties of adipose stem cells (ASCs) and bone-marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) with AC DEP [205].…”

Characterization of a 3D Printed Mold for a Cell Culturing Microfluidic Device

“…However, it is a reasonable method for many applications. For instance, it can be used for particle sorting methods such as acoustophoresis and dielectrophoresis in which the channel size is usually larger than 100 μm [12]- [14]. In addition, it is needed to be taken into account that printed molds can be used several times.…”

Biological Particle Control and Separation using Active Forces in Microfluidic Environments

“…Hollow circular images are used for targeted CTC trapping, while long rectangular light bar is used to attract other untargeted cells. Adams et al [21] perform sorting of neural stem and progenitor cells using microfluidic DEP device. The sorting is based on the cell membrane capacitance variation, which specifically determines the future forming cells, either neuron or astrocyte.…”