Issue 8, 2015

Microfluidics-based single cell analysis reveals drug-dependent motility changes in trypanosomes

Abstract

We present a single cell viability assay, based on chemical gradient microfluidics in combination with optical micromanipulation. Here, we used this combination to in situ monitor the effects of drugs and chemicals on the motility of the flagellated unicellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei; specifically, the local cell velocity and the mean squared displacement (MSD) of the cell trajectories. With our method, we are able to record in situ cell fixation by glutaraldehyde, and to quantify the critical concentration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose required to completely paralyze trypanosomes. In addition, we detected and quantified the impact on cell propulsion and energy generation at much lower 2-deoxy-D-glucose concentrations. Our microfluidics-based approach advances fast cell-based drug testing in a way that allows us to distinguish cytocidal from cytostatic drug effects, screen effective dosages, and investigate the impact on cell motility of drugs and chemicals. Using suramin, we could reveal the impact of the widely used drug on trypanosomes: suramin lowers trypanosome motility and induces cell-lysis after endocytosis.

Graphical abstract: Microfluidics-based single cell analysis reveals drug-dependent motility changes in trypanosomes

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
02 Feb 2015
Accepted
02 Mar 2015
First published
10 Mar 2015

Lab Chip, 2015,15, 1961-1968

Author version available

Microfluidics-based single cell analysis reveals drug-dependent motility changes in trypanosomes

A. Hochstetter, E. Stellamanns, S. Deshpande, S. Uppaluri, M. Engstler and T. Pfohl, Lab Chip, 2015, 15, 1961 DOI: 10.1039/C5LC00124B

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements