Living cells captured on a bio-microsystem devoted to DNA injection

This paper deals with the realization of a microsystem for living cell mani pulation. The aim of this research is to make a high-efficiency DNA injecti on microsystem, thus providing a powerful tool for genetic therapy. Our microsystem is multifunctional: it is expected to catch ill cells, rang e them as an array, insert the therapeutic DNA as well as a control gene, d etect nontransfected cells for their lysis, and liberate transfected cells for their culture and reinsertion into the body of the patient. For the cel l trapping specificity, we use antibodies. For the spatial selectivity of t he cell trapping (the cell has to be localized precisely on specified areas of the microsystem), two methods are presented in the paper to pattern the surfaces covered with antibodies. To make such a microsystem, we have to integrate two types of technologies: the technology of micromachining to realize the mechanical part of the mic rosystem (for instance, microcapillaries to lead the gene up to the cell), and the technology that is more related to biochemistry and biology for the cell's linking part. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.