Microfluidic devices and method for sampling and analysis of cells using optical forces and raman spectroscopy

Abstract

Provided are methods and devices for automated analysis of one or more samples in single or multi-well plates or vessels, wherein the process of automated analysis comprises flow and hydrodynamic, electrokinetic, and optical forces for the analysis and sorting of samples, wherein the samples comprise liquid or particles in microfluidic channels, and wherein the devices comprise an assembly of components that enable processing of a said samples for analytical assessment by fluidic and/or particle based instruments. Microfluidic structures (channels, “T's”, “Y's”, branched “Y's”, wells, and weirs) are described for facilitating sample interaction and observation, sample analysis, sorting, or isolation. Detection can be accomplished using spectroscopic methods including, but not limited to, Raman spectroscopy of single cells and bulk cellular samples (collections of cells; several individuals to hundreds or thousands of cells).

1 . A microfluidic device comprising one or more fiber optic probes and one or more fluidic tubes, wherein the one or more fiber optic probes are designed to enable spectroscopic measurements,
 and wherein the one or more fluidic tubes consist of a sampling tube allowing for the introduction of a particle containing sample into an instrument and wherein the sampling tube enables the movement of particles relative to the optic fiber probes.