Lab-in-a-tube: detection of individual mouse cells for analysis in flexible split-wall microtube resonator sensors

Nano Lett. 2011 Oct 12;11(10):4037-42. doi: 10.1021/nl1036148. Epub 2010 Nov 24.

Abstract

We report a method for the precise capturing of embryonic fibroblast mouse cells into rolled-up microtube resonators. The microtubes contain a nanometer-sized gap in their wall which defines a new type of optofluidic sensor, i.e., a flexible split-wall microtube resonator sensor, employed as a label-free fully integrative detection tool for individual cells. The sensor action works through peak sharpening and spectral shifts of whispering gallery modes within the microresonators under light illumination.