A Micro Array Chip based Single Cell Manipulation System for Characterization of Electrical Stimulation Induced Stem Cell Differentiation

This proposed project aims to develop a new micro array chip based single cell manipulation system, and apply the system to induce proliferation and differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). The advantage of such a system lies in the capability of manipulating electrical stimulation induced stem cell differentiation as well as characterization of the cell properties at the single cell level to benefit the stimulation parameter screening process. The research will be performed from the three perspectives. First, a single cell manipulation system that integrates micro array chip and robotically controlled optical tweezers will be developed to enable electrical stimulation induced stem cell differentiation. The method will allow groups of cells to be positioned accurately in the electrode for simultaneous processing, with a high degree of repeatability and hence reduce the degree of variability in tests. Second, a new protocol to optimize the stem cell osteogenic differentiation will be designed. Through quantitative analysis using techniques including microwell array chip and robotically controlled optical tweezers for accurate positioning and control of single cells, the stimulation parameters will be optimized and the differentiation efficiency will be much improved. Third, mechanobiological and physiological electrical properties of MSCs will be characterized through single cell stretching manipulation and single cell impedance measurement in situ. Investigation on biological markers will be further performed to evaluate the differentiation for in-vivo testing of the osteogenic potentials of the cells with ectopic bone formation assay.