In single-cell analysis, cellular activity and parameters are assayed on an individual, rather than population-average basis. Essential to observing the activity of these cells over time is the ability to trap, pattern and retain them, for which previous single-cell-patterning work has principally made use of mechanical methods. While successful as a long-term cell-patterning strategy, these devices remain essentially single use. Here we introduce a new method for the patterning of multiple spatially separated single particles and cells using high-frequency acoustic fields with one cell per acoustic well. We characterize and demonstrate patterning for both a range of particle sizes and the capture and patterning of cells, including human lymphocytes and red blood cells infected by the malarial parasitePlasmodium falciparum. This ability is made possible by a hitherto unexplored regime where the acoustic wavelength is on the same order as the cell dimensions.

In recent years there has been an explosion of methods for encapsulating cells in droplets. This review examines the state-of-the-art, including methods for active encapsulation.

Continuous manipulation of nanoparticles using micro-vortex generated by a highly focused, high frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) beam.

We demonstrate the use of a highly focused surface acoustic wave (SAW) with an effective region only ~25 μm wide for precise manipulation on the single-particle level.

Researchers use pulsed excitation to generate localized 2D acoustic tweezers for spatially selective microfluidic patterning.