Red Blood Cell Stretching Manipulation Using the Microfluidics Chip Integrated with Liquid Metal Electrode

The mechanical properties of biological cells are closely related to the physiological functions of cells. Abnormal mechanical properties often indicate abnormal cellular functions. Biological processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, division, and apoptosis, are directly affected by the mechanical properties of cells. In this study, a platform was built for measuring the mechanical properties of cells with dielectrophoretic force. The electrodes generally used for stretching cells include indium tin oxide, gold, and platinum electrodes, which have inherent disadvantages. We used Galinstan alloy liquid metal as microelectrode, which was integrated into a microfluidic chip. A modulated sine wave voltage signal was applied to the microfluidic chip to capture and stretch red blood cells. The relationship between the mechanical properties of cells and the mechanism of macroscopic characterization can be summarized, and the mechanism of cell physiological activities can be explored based on the measurement and analysis results of the mechanical properties of cells. The Galinstan alloy liquid metal was used as microelectrode because of its unique advantages, such as easy to manufacture, low cost, stability under high voltage, and reusability.

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