Open-access cell array using electroosmotic flow

This paper presents a novel technique of single-cell array. For easy handling in biological experiments, we developed open-to-air flow well with pocket-like microstructures. Cells are positioned at the microstructures, one at a place, by the use of electroosmotic flow that provides constant and controllable hydrodynamic drag force for the transport of the cells. Precise positioning of mammalian cells was demonstrated here. The cell array is open to air like a common culture dish, thus the conventional dish-based experiments are potentially applicable.