Specific cell capture and temperature-mediated release using surface-immobilized aptamers in a microfluidic device

We present a microfluidic device with an integrated temperature sensor and heaters for capture as well as subsequent temperature mediated release and recovery of CCRF-CEM cells. Specific cell capture is achieved by a surface immobilized aptamer. A moderate temperature change is then introduced to disrupt the cell-aptamer interaction, allowing the release of captured cells from the aptamer modified surface and their retrieval for further analysis. Experimental results demonstrate that the device is capable of handling a wide range of cell concentrations, and that the released cells remain viable.