Capsule technology opens new window into individual cells

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1118890

Publish Date: 2026-03-12 06:14:00

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Linas Mazutis, Visiting Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University

Credit: Photo: Katažyna Samaitė

Researchers have developed a capsule-based method that makes it possible to analyse the same cell through multiple experimental steps. The technology overcomes a long-standing limitation in cell research and could open new ways to study disease mechanisms at the single-cell level.

In a study published in the scientific journal Science, Visiting Professor Linas Mazutis at Umeå University and his research team present a new technology for analysing individual cells. The method addresses a long-standing technical challenge in cell research: until now, scientists have usually only been able to analyse each cell once, which has made it difficult to study how individual cells change or respond to different experimental conditions.

“All cells are different, and understanding those differences is key to understanding disease,” says Linas Mazutis.

Small capsules keep the cells’ DNA intact

The new technology is based on an innovation that the researchers call semi-permeable capsule technology, using microscopic capsules each containing a single cell. The capsules have a liquid core surrounded by a thin, porous membrane. Small molecules, such as enzymes and chemical reagents, can pass through the membrane, while larger molecules like DNA and RNA are retained inside.

This makes it possible to analyse hundreds of thousands of individual cells simultaniously using standard laboratory…

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