Fluorimetric multiparameter cell assay at the single cell level fabricatedby optical tweezers

A fluorimetric multi-parameter cell sensor at the single cell level is pres ented which makes it possible to observe the physiological behavior of diff erent cell lines, different physiological parameters, and statistical data at the same time, Different cell types were immobilized at predefined posit ions with high accuracy using optical tweezers and adhesion promoting surfa ce layers. The process is applicable to both adherent and non-adherent cell s, Coating of the immobilization area with mussel adhesive protein was show n to be essential for the process. Intracellular proton and calcium concent rations in different cell classes were simultaneously imaged and the specif ic activation of T lymphocytes was demonstrated. This method should be espe cially useful for drug screening due to the small sample volume and high in formation density. (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.