Impedance-Based Single-Cell Pipetting

Many biological methods are based on single-cell isolation. In single-cell line development, the gold standard involves the dilution of cells by means of a pipet. This process is time-consuming as it is repeated over several weeks to ensure clonality. Here, we report the modeling, designing, and testing of a disposable pipet tip integrating a cell sensor based on the Coulter principle. We investigate, test, and discuss the effects of design parameters on the sensor performances with an analytical model. We also describe a system that enables the dispensing of single cells using an instrumented pipet coupled with the sensing tip. Most importantly, this system allows the recording of an impedance trace to be used as proof of single-cell isolation. We assess the performances of the system with beads and cells. Finally, we show that the electrical detection has no effect on cell viability.