We have developed an integrated microfluidic cell analysis system that allows for continuous perfusion cell culture with on-demand cell lysis. Lysis is achieved by applying a DC voltage to electrochemically generate hydroxide inside the device. This lysis method differs from other electrical lysis techniques. Rather than relying on high electric fields to irreversibly electroporate the cells, electrochemically generated hydroxide ions permanently disrupt the cellular membrane by cleaving fatty acid groups, thereby releasing intracellular material. Given the many applications that require a combination of cell culture and lysis, we believe this integration of microfluidic devices is a valuable advancement in the field of biological research and diagnostics. We demonstrated the efficacy of the system by:

• Culturing and lysing 4 different cell lines: HeLa, Jurkat, CHO-K1, and MCF-7.
• Studying the effects of this lysis technique on horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and p53.
• Determining optimal operating conditions through numerical simulation.

Further Information:

1. Nevill JT, Cooper R, Dueck M, Breslauer DN, Lee LP. "Integrated microfluidic cell culture and lysis on a chip." Lab Chip. 2007 Dec;7(12):1689-95.