Single Cell Sampling Using Micromanipulation: A Technique to Isolate Single Cells from Cancer Cell Suspension

Single-cell sampling enables isolating a single live cell from a suspension of cancer cells for downstream analysis.

Begin the isolation with a cancer cell suspension. Transfer the desired volume of this suspension onto a glass slide. Leave the slide undisturbed for a while to reduce particle movement and allow the cells to settle.

Now, transfer the slide under a microscope equipped with a micromanipulator connected to a microcapillary tip. This high-precision instrument facilitates physical interaction with cells in the sample at a microscopic level.

Direct the microcapillary tip close to a single target cell. By applying suction, collect the target cell into the microcapillary. Now, transfer the microcapillary directly into a tube containing the desired collection buffer.

Eject the microcapillary contents to release the captured single cell into the buffer. Store the isolated live single cell on ice until further analysis.