Integrating impedance cytometry with other microfluidic tools towards multifunctional single-cell analysis platforms

Abstract

Microfluidic impedance cytometry (MIC) is a label-free technique that characterizes individual flowing particles/cells based on their interaction with a multifrequency electric field. The technique has been successfully applied in different scenarios including life-science research, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. The aim of this review is to illustrate the fascinating opportunities enabled by the integration of MIC with other microfluidic tools. Specifically, we identify five categories according to their synergistic advantage: (i) improving the multiparametric characterization capability, (ii) enabling on-chip sample preparation steps, (iii) stimulating the sample, (iv) sample carrying/confinement, and (v) impedance-activated sample sorting. We discuss examples from each category, highlighting integration challenges and promising perspectives for next-generation multifunctional systems.