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Varma S, Voldman J. Caring for cells in microsystems: principles and practices of cell-safe device design and operation. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:3333-3352. [PMID: 30324208 PMCID: PMC6254237 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00746b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic device designers and users continually question whether cells are 'happy' in a given microsystem or whether they are perturbed by micro-scale technologies. This issue is normally brought up by engineers building platforms, or by external reviewers (academic or commercial) comparing multiple technological approaches to a problem. Microsystems can apply combinations of biophysical and biochemical stimuli that, although essential to device operation, may damage cells in complex ways. However, assays to assess the impact of microsystems upon cells have been challenging to conduct and have led to subjective interpretation and evaluation of cell stressors, hampering development and adoption of microsystems. To this end, we introduce a framework that defines cell health, describes how device stimuli may stress cells, and contrasts approaches to measure cell stress. Importantly, we provide practical guidelines regarding device design and operation to minimize cell stress, and recommend a minimal set of quantitative assays that will enable standardization in the assessment of cell health in diverse devices. We anticipate that as microsystem designers, reviewers, and end-users enforce such guidelines, we as a community can create a set of essential principles that will further the adoption of such technologies in clinical, translational and commercial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarvesh Varma
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
,
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 36-824
, Cambridge
, USA
.
; Fax: +617 258 5846
; Tel: +617 253 1583
| | - Joel Voldman
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
,
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 36-824
, Cambridge
, USA
.
; Fax: +617 258 5846
; Tel: +617 253 1583
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Advances in Micro- and Nanotechnologies for Stem Cell-Based Translational Applications. STEM CELL BIOLOGY AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-29149-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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3
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Hopf R, Bernardi L, Menze J, Zündel M, Mazza E, Ehret A. Experimental and theoretical analyses of the age-dependent large-strain behavior of Sylgard 184 (10:1) silicone elastomer. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2016; 60:425-437. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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4
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Kamei KI, Hirai Y, Tabata O. Body on a Chip: Re-Creation of a Living System In Vitro. IEEE NANOTECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 2013. [DOI: 10.1109/mnano.2013.2275024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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5
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Singh A, Suri S, Lee T, Chilton JM, Cooke MT, Chen W, Fu J, Stice SL, Lu H, McDevitt TC, García AJ. Adhesion strength-based, label-free isolation of human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Methods 2013; 10:438-44. [PMID: 23563795 PMCID: PMC3641175 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.2437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The ability to efficiently isolate undifferentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (UD-hiPSCs) as colonies from contaminating non-pluripotent cells is a crucial step in the stem cell field to maintain hiPSC survival, purity, and karyotype stability. Here we demonstrate significant differences in ‘adhesive signature’ among UD-hiPSCs, parental cells, partially reprogrammed cells, and differentiated progeny. The distinct adhesive signature of hiPSCs was exploited to rapidly (~10 min) and efficiently isolate fully reprogrammed bona fide hiPSCs as intact colonies from heterogeneous reprogramming cultures and differentiated progeny using microfluidics. hiPSCs were isolated in a label-free fashion and enriched to > 95–99% purity and survival without adversely affecting the transcriptional profile, differentiation potential or karyotype of the pluripotent cells. This rapid and label-free strategy is applicable to isolate UD-hPSCs (hiPSCs, hESCs) from heterogeneous cultures during reprogramming and routine cultures and can be expanded to purify stem cells of specific lineages, such as neurons and cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Singh
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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6
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Sott K, Eriksson E, Petelenz E, Goksör M. Optical systems for single cell analyses. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 3:1323-44. [PMID: 23496168 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.3.11.1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data extracted from a population of cells represent the average response from all cells within the population. Even when the cells are genetically identical, cell-to-cell variations and genetic noise can make the cells respond in completely different ways. To understand the mechanisms behind the behaviour of a population, the cells must also be analysed on an individual basis. OBJECTIVE This review highlights the use of optical manipulation, microfluidics and advanced fluorescence imaging techniques for the acquisition of single cell data. CONCLUSION By implementation of these three techniques, it is possible to achieve a deeper insight into the principles underlying cellular functioning and a more thorough understanding of the phenomena often observed in cell populations, thus facilitating research in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Sott
- Postdoctoral fellow University of Gothenburg, Department of Physics, SE-41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
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7
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Microfluidic technology emerges as a convenient route to applying automated and reliable assays in a high-throughput manner with low cost. OBJECTIVE This review aims to answer questions related to the capabilities and potential applications of microfluidic assays that can benefit the drug development process and extends an outlook on its future trends. METHODS This article reviews recent publications in the field of microfluidics, with an emphasis on novel applications for drug development. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Microfluidics affords unique capabilities in sample preparation and separation, combinatorial synthesis and array formation, and incorporating nanotechnology for more functionalities. The pharmaceutical industry, facing challenges from limited productivity and accelerated competition, can thus greatly benefit from applying new microfluidic assays in various drug development stages, from target screening and lead optimization to absorption distribution metabolism elimination and toxicity studies in preclinical evaluations, diagnostics in clinical trials and drug formulation and manufacturing process optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wen
- The Ohio State University, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 140 West 19th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA +1 614 2926611 ; +1 614 2923769 ;
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A self-contained, programmable microfluidic cell culture system with real-time microscopy access. Biomed Microdevices 2012; 14:385-99. [PMID: 22160447 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-011-9615-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Utilizing microfluidics is a promising way for increasing the throughput and automation of cell biology research. We present a complete self-contained system for automated cell culture and experiments with real-time optical read-out. The system offers a high degree of user-friendliness, stability due to simple construction principles and compactness for integration with standard instruments. Furthermore, the self-contained system is highly portable enabling transfer between work stations such as laminar flow benches, incubators and microscopes. Accommodation of 24 individual inlet channels enables the system to perform parallel, programmable and multiconditional assays on a single chip. A modular approach provides system versatility and allows many different chips to be used dependent upon application. We validate the system's performance by demonstrating on-chip passive switching and mixing by peristaltically driven flows. Applicability for biological assays is demonstrated by on-chip cell culture including on-chip transfection and temporally programmable gene expression.
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9
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Medium to High Throughput Screening: Microfabrication and Chip-Based Technology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 745:181-209. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3055-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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10
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Ezkerra A, Fernández LJ, Mayora K, Ruano-López JM. SU8 diaphragm micropump with monolithically integrated cantilever check valves. LAB ON A CHIP 2011; 11:3320-5. [PMID: 21853192 DOI: 10.1039/c1lc20324j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a SU8 unidirectional diaphragm micropump with embedded out-of-plane cantilever check valves. The device represents a reliable and low-cost solution for integration of microfluidic control in lab-on-a-chip devices. Its planar architecture allows monolithic definition of its components in a single step and potential integration with previously reported PCR, electrophoresis and flow-sensing SU8 microdevices. Pneumatic actuation is applied on a PDMS diaphragm, which is bonded to the SU8 body at wafer level, further enhancing its integration and mass production capabilities. The cantilever check valves move synchronously with the diaphragm, feature fast response (10ms), low dead volume (86nl) and a 94% flow blockage up to 300kPa. The micropump achieves a maximum flow rate of 177 μl min(-1) at 6 Hz and 200 kPa with an effective area of 10 mm(2). The device is reliable, self-priming and tolerant to particles and big bubbles. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first micropump in SU8 with monolithically integrated cantilever check valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Ezkerra
- MEMS/MST Department, IKERLAN S. Coop. Polo Innovación Garaia, Mondragón, Spain.
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A versatile valve-enabled microfluidic cell co-culture platform and demonstration of its applications to neurobiology and cancer biology. Biomed Microdevices 2011; 13:539-48. [PMID: 21424383 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-011-9523-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A versatile microfluidic platform allowing co-culture of multiple cell populations in close proximity with separate control of their microenvironments would be extremely valuable for many biological applications. Here, we report a simple and compact microfluidic platform that has these desirable features and allows for real-time, live-cell imaging of cell-cell interactions. Using a pneumatically/hydraulically controlled poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) valve barrier, distinct cell types can be cultured in side-by-side microfluidic chambers with their optimum culture media and treated separately without affecting the other cell population. The platform is capable of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell co-culture and through variations of the valve barrier design, the platform allows for cell-cell interactions through either direct cell contact or soluble factors alone. The platform has been used to perform dynamic imaging of synapse formation in hippocampal neurons by separate transfection of two groups of neurons with fluorescent pre- and post-synaptic protein markers. In addition, cross-migration of 4T1 tumor cells and endothelial cells has been studied under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, which revealed different migration patterns, suggesting the importance of the microenvironments in cell-cell interactions and biological activities.
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12
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Kshitiz, Kim DH, Beebe DJ, Levchenko A. Micro- and nanoengineering for stem cell biology: the promise with a caution. Trends Biotechnol 2011; 29:399-408. [PMID: 21549437 PMCID: PMC3726268 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Current techniques used in stem cell research only crudely mimic the physiological complexity of the stem cell niches. Recent advances in the field of micro- and nanoengineering have brought an array of in vitro cell culture models that have enabled development of novel, highly precise and standardized tools that capture physiological details in a single platform, with greater control, consistency, and throughput. In this review, we describe the micro- and nanotechnology-driven modern toolkit for stem cell biologists to design novel experiments in more physiological microenvironments with increased precision and standardization, and caution them against potential challenges that the modern technologies might present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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14
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Wu HW, Lin CC, Lee GB. Stem cells in microfluidics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2011; 5:13401. [PMID: 21522491 PMCID: PMC3082338 DOI: 10.1063/1.3528299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic techniques have been recently developed for cell-based assays. In microfluidic systems, the objective is for these microenvironments to mimic in vivo surroundings. With advantageous characteristics such as optical transparency and the capability for automating protocols, different types of cells can be cultured, screened, and monitored in real time to systematically investigate their morphology and functions under well-controlled microenvironments in response to various stimuli. Recently, the study of stem cells using microfluidic platforms has attracted considerable interest. Even though stem cells have been studied extensively using bench-top systems, an understanding of their behavior in in vivo-like microenvironments which stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation is still lacking. In this paper, recent cell studies using microfluidic systems are first introduced. The various miniature systems for cell culture, sorting and isolation, and stimulation are then systematically reviewed. The main focus of this review is on papers published in recent years studying stem cells by using microfluidic technology. This review aims to provide experts in microfluidics an overview of various microfluidic systems for stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Wen Wu
- Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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15
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Li HY, Dauriac V, Thibert V, Senechal H, Peltre G, Zhang XX, Descroix S. Micropillar array chips toward new immunodiagnosis. LAB ON A CHIP 2010; 10:2597-604. [PMID: 20714504 DOI: 10.1039/c005034b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we demonstrate the possibility to use a micropillar array to perform molecular immunodiagnosis. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microdevice consisting of a rectangular array of micropillars (45 µm in height, 100 × 100 µm square cross section) was used to replace microchannels or gels (polyacrylamide or agarose) to perform electrokinetic separation. This microarray was used to mimic highly diluted gel and to maintain electrolyte within the pillar zone by capillary effect. The electrolyte composition (glycerol and agarose content) was investigated in order to improve protein separation by isoelectric focusing (IEF). The influence of glycerol on focusing time and on the different evaporative contributions was further evaluated. In order to perform an immunodiagnostic of milk allergy, different surface treatments were optimized to prevent milk allergen adsorption on PDMS surface. Poly(dimethylacrylamide)-co-allyl glycidyl ether (PDMA-AGE) as well as gelatin led to a satisfactory signal to noise ratio. Finally the possibility to perform protein mixture separation using this micropillar array chip followed by immunoblotting was demonstrated by using the serum from an allergic individual, confirming the great potential of this analytical platform in the field of immunodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Li
- Physicochimie des Electrolytes, Colloïdes et Sciences Analytiques (PECSA) UMR 7195, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France
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Salieb-Beugelaar GB, Simone G, Arora A, Philippi A, Manz A. Latest developments in microfluidic cell biology and analysis systems. Anal Chem 2010; 82:4848-64. [PMID: 20462184 DOI: 10.1021/ac1009707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Gupta K, Kim DH, Ellison D, Smith C, Kundu A, Tuan J, Suh KY, Levchenko A. Lab-on-a-chip devices as an emerging platform for stem cell biology. LAB ON A CHIP 2010; 10:2019-31. [PMID: 20556297 DOI: 10.1039/c004689b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The advent of stem cell based therapies has brought regenerative medicine into an increased focus as a part of the modern medicine practice, with a potential to treat a myriad of intractable diseases in the future. Stem cells reside in a complex microenvironment presenting them with a multitude of potential cues that are chemical, physical, and mechanical in nature. Conventional techniques used for experiments involving stem cells can only poorly mimic the physiological context, and suffer from imprecise spatial and temporal control, low throughput, lack of scalability and reproducibility, and poor representation of the mechanical and physical cell microenvironment. Novel lab-on-a-chip platforms, on the other hand, can much better mimic the complexity of in vivo tissue milieu and provide a greater control of the parameter variation in a high throughput and scalable manner. This capability may be especially important for understanding the biology and cementing the clinical potential of stem cell based therapies. Here we review microfabrication- and microfluidics-based approaches to investigating the complex biology of stem cell responses to changes in the local microenvironment. In particular, we categorize each method based on the types of controlled inputs it can have on stem cells, including soluble biochemical factors, extracellular matrix interactions, homotypic and heterotypic cell-cell signaling, physical cues (e.g. oxygen tension, pH, temperature), and mechanical forces (e.g. shear, topography, rigidity). Finally, we outline the methods to perform large scale observations of stem cell phenotypes and high-throughput screening of cellular responses to a combination of stimuli, and many new emerging technologies that are becoming available specifically for stem cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitiz Gupta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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18
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Paguirigan AL, Puccinelli JP, Su X, Beebe DJ. Expanding the available assays: adapting and validating In-Cell Westerns in microfluidic devices for cell-based assays. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2010; 8:591-601. [PMID: 20658945 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2010.0274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic methods for cellular studies can significantly reduce costs due to reduced reagent and biological specimen requirements compared with many traditional culture techniques. However, current types of readouts are limited and this lack of suitable readouts for microfluidic cultures has significantly hindered the application of microfluidics for cell-based assays. The In-Cell Western (ICW) technique uses quantitative immunocytochemistry and a laser scanner to provide an in situ measure of protein quantities in cells grown in microfluidic channels of arbitrary geometries. The use of ICWs in microfluidic channels was validated by a detailed comparison with current macroscale methods and shown to have excellent correlation. Transforming growth factor-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of an epithelial cell line was used as an example for further validation of the technique as a readout for soluble-factor-based assays performed in high-throughput microfluidic channels. The use of passive pumping for sample delivery and laser scanning for analysis opens the door to high-throughput quantitative microfluidic cell-based assays that integrate seamlessly with existing high-throughput infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Paguirigan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, USA
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Moraes C, Kagoma YK, Beca BM, Tonelli-Zasarsky RLM, Sun Y, Simmons CA. Integrating polyurethane culture substrates into poly(dimethylsiloxane) microdevices. Biomaterials 2009; 30:5241-50. [PMID: 19545891 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.05.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based microdevices have enabled rapid, high-throughput assessment of cellular response to precisely controlled microenvironmental stimuli, including chemical, matrix and mechanical factors. However, the use of PDMS as a culture substrate precludes long-term culture and may significantly impact cell response. Here we describe a method to integrate polyurethane (PU), a well-studied and clinically relevant biomaterial, into the PDMS multilayer microfabrication process, enabling the exploration of long-term cellular response on alternative substrates in microdevices. To demonstrate the utility of these hybrid microdevices for cell culture, we compared initial cell adhesion, cell spreading, and maintenance of protein patterns on PU and PDMS substrates. Initial cell adhesion and cell spreading after three days were comparable between collagen-coated PDMS and PU substrates (with or without collagen coating), but significantly lower on native PDMS substrates. However, for longer culture durations (> or = 6 days), cell spreading and protein adhesion on PU substrates was significantly better than that on PDMS substrates, and comparable to that on tissue culture-treated polystyrene. Thus, the use of a generic polyurethane substrate in microdevices enables longer-term cell culture than is possible with PDMS substrates. More generally, this technique can improve the impact and applicability of microdevice-based research by facilitating the use of alternate, relevant biomaterials while maintaining the advantages of using PDMS for microdevice fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Moraes
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
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