Single-cell mass-density measurements using microchannel gradient centrifugation

Single-cell mass-density measurements using microchannel gradient centrifugation | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Single-cell mass-density measurements using microchannel gradient centrifugation Richard Soller, Per Augustsson, Rune Barnkob This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7629218/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 13 Feb, 2026 Read the published version in Scientific Reports → Version 1 posted 11 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract We present a microchannel-based adaptation of mass density-gradient centrifugation for the mass density measurement of cells or microparticles. The workflow consists of three basic steps: Microchannel filling, centrifugation, and microscopy. Microchannel filling and subsequent centrifugation of two liquids with different densities allows the instantaneous, precise, and repeatable generation of a one-dimensional mass-density gradient and the simultaneous sedimentation of cells or particles of interest to a point where their mass density is equal to the gradient’s mass density. We introduce two different methods, calibration particles and tracer molecules, for microscopic mass density readout. We demonstrate the measurement principle by measuring the mass density of yeast cells and show that the method allows the mass density measurement of single cells with an position dependent median uncertainty of 3.5 kg m−3 with a throughput of approximately 16000 cells per hour. This measurement precision is in the range of the best single-cell methods currently in use but with a higher throughput. The method is technically straightforward , robust, and affordable, making single-cell mass density measurements widely available. Biological sciences/Biological techniques Physical sciences/Physics Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Figure 1 is not available with this version. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 13 Feb, 2026 Read the published version in Scientific Reports → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 27 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 21 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 02 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 30 Sep, 2025 Reviews received at journal 29 Sep, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 29 Sep, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 27 Sep, 2025 Editor invited by journal 19 Sep, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 18 Sep, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 17 Sep, 2025 First submitted to journal 16 Sep, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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