The Cell Fluorescence LabChip kit represents another application for the lab-on-a-chip technology from Agilent. The Cell Fluorescence LabChip has been designed to measure simple fluorescence parameters from individual cells using the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer. The chip allows up to six different cell samples to analyzed at once. The fluorescence data is generated at two excitation wavelengths. Cells are moved throughout the chip channels by pressure-driven flow and hydrodynamically focused in channels before passing the fluorescence detector. The system requires a minimum of 10 ul of sample to be loaded with 20,000 cells necessary for a single assay. Usually 500 to 1,000 cells are detected per sample. There are established application protocols available for the detection of transfection efficiency of the green fluorescence protein, antibody staining and apoptosis detection.
We have been using the bioanalyzer for RNA and DNA measurements in our lab for a long time. Therefore the purchase of the Cell LabChip was, for us, a logical extension of the analytical capabilities of the bioanalyzer. We have been particular interested in using the chip for estimating transfection efficiencies in our mammalian protein expression studies. What I really like about the chip is the ease of use and the low cell number requirements. Initially, we were a bit skeptical about the sensitivity of the fluorescence detection. Hence, we performed several comparisons of the LabChip results with flow cytometry analysis. The reproducible concordance of the results completely convinced us to use the Cell Fluorescence LabChip on a routine basis.
Unfortunately, in order to use the kit it is necessary to buy the Cell Assay Extension to enable your bioanalyser to work with Cell LabChips. The Cell Assay Extension contains a pressure cartridge and software for the Cell Fluorescence LabChip. Also, I would not bother with the Cell Fluorescence checkout kit which is for training purposes and testing the cell assay operation. When you are making your own measurements, you will immediately realize if there any malfunctions in the system. Actually, we have, so far, not encountered any problems using the kit.
In summary, I would recommend the Cell LabChip kit for any lab that is already equipped with the bioanalyzer. Taking into account that a number of applications for the Cell LabChip are still quite limited, it should be considered in advance whether the demand for GFP or apoptosis detection is high enough for its conversion into a high throughput procedure.
Michal Janitz, M.D.
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics
Berlin, Germany