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Abstract:
We present a single cell viability assay, based on chemical gradient microfluidics in combination with
optical micromanipulation. Here, we used this combination to in situ monitor the effects of drugs and
chemicals on the motility of the flagellated unicellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei; specifically, the local
cell velocity and the mean squared displacement (MSD) of the cell trajectories. With our method, we
are able to record in situ cell fixation by glutaraldehyde, and to quantify the critical concentration of
2-deoxy-D-glucose required to completely paralyze trypanosomes. In addition, we detected and quantified
the impact on cell propulsion and energy generation at much lower 2-deoxy-D-glucose concentrations.
Our microfluidics-based approach advances fast cell-based drug testing in a way that allows us to distinguish
cytocidal from cytostatic drug effects, screen effective dosages, and investigate the impact on cell
motility of drugs and chemicals. Using suramin, we could reveal the impact of the widely used drug on trypanosomes:
suramin lowers trypanosome motility and induces cell-lysis after endocytosis.
