Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for retrieving cells from a continuous culture microfluidic device. In some aspects, a system that allows for selective extraction of one or more cells of interest from an arbitrary population of cells using a high-throughput negative cell selection technique is disclosed herein. For example, the system may comprise a microfluidic device comprising a plurality of cell growth trenches configured to contain cells and a patterned light source capable of selectively killing unwanted cells contained within the device. Coupled with time-lapse imaging, one or more cells of interest within the device may, in some aspects, be identified and extracted with a relatively high extraction efficiency, e.g., at least 99.9% of cells of interest may be extracted from the plurality of cells. In addition, some aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods for using such a system.

Abstract: Described herein are methods inducing the uptake of an agent by a cell. Aspects of the invention relate to physically compressing the cell to induce perturbations (e.g., holes) in the cell membrane or wall. An agent is taken up by the cell through induced perturbations.

Abstract: Described herein are methods inducing the uptake of an agent by a cell. Aspects of the invention relate to physically compressing the cell to induce perturbations (e.g., holes) in the cell membrane or wall. An agent is taken up by the cell through induced perturbations.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises a cell flow layer and a control layer. The cell flow layer includes a growth channel, a collection channel, a plurality of bridge channels connecting the growth channel and the collection channel, a plurality of bridge valve portions, and a plurality of cell growth trenches coupled to the growth channel. The growth channel includes an inlet valve portion and an outlet valve portion controlling flow into and out of the growth channel. The collection channel includes an inlet valve portion and an outlet valve controlling flow into and out of the collection channel. The bridge valve portions control flow between the growth channel and the collection channel. The control layer includes a first control channel actuating the bridge valve portions and a second control channel actuating the inlet valve portions and the outlet valve portions of the growth channel and the collection channel.

Abstract: Described herein are methods inducing the uptake of an agent by a cell. Aspects of the invention relate to physically compressing the cell to induce perturbations (e.g., holes) in the cell membrane or wall. An agent is taken up by the cell through induced perturbations.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channel includes a control layer substantially enclosed within a soft polymer, a cell covering element, and a flow channel between the cell-covering element and control layer enclosed within the soft polymer. The control layer is operable to move towards and exert a pressure on the cell-covering element. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.