Laser tool for single cell transfer

Many structures in living organisms show a high complexity. One example is the stem cell niche, where different cell types interact in a highly defined manner. Such structures need a building technology, which enables a highly defined and reproducible positioning of the cell types of interest. Laser Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) however enables us to achieve a very good cell transfer even on a single cell resolution. As a test system for cell transfer polystyrene particles with a diameter of 10 mm and a cell-like density were used. Single particles embedded in MatrigelTM are reproducibly deposited onto a receiver in a pre-set pattern. Cell transfer is performed thereafter with mouse fibro-blast 3T3 cells. Results are comparable to particle transfer experiments. Viability of these cells is tested with Life/Dead staining after three hours and six days. Further, proliferation of the cell line is observed after six days of cell incubation.