Reversible single cell trapping of Paramecium caudatum to correlate swimming behavior and membrane state

Schnitzler, Lukas G.; Paeger, Anne; Brugger, Manuel S.; Schneider, Matthias F. und Westerhausen, Christoph (2022): Reversible single cell trapping of Paramecium caudatum to correlate swimming behavior and membrane state. In: Biomicrofluidics, Vol. 16, No. 2, 24102

Abstract

Single cell measurements with living specimen like, for example, the ciliated protozoan Paramecium caudatum can be a challenging task. We present here a microfluidic trapping mechanism for measurements with these micro-organisms that can be used, e.g., for optical measurements to correlate cellular functions with the phase state of the lipid membrane. Here, we reversibly trap single cells in small compartments. Furthermore, we track and analyze the swimming behavior of single cells over several minutes. Before and after reversible trapping the swimming speed is comparable, suggesting that trapping does not have a large effect on cell behavior. Last, we demonstrate the feasibility of membrane order measurements on living cells using the fluorescent dye 6-lauryl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene (Laurdan).

• Item Type: Journal article
• Research Centers: Center for NanoScience (CENS)
• Subjects: 500 Science > 500 Science
• Language: English