A fast cell loading and high-throughput microfluidic system for long-term cell culture in zero-flow environments

We present a simple technique for cell loading, culturing, and phenotypic study in a multi-chamber microfluidic device made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This technique is based on the use of degassing induced aspiration of PDMS which allows loading cells into micro-cavities within 1 min. A large number of triangle cavities are patterned aside main flow channels with narrow connections so that cells can be loaded by aspirating into each cavity. In our device, high throughput and long-term monitoring can be done with minimum shear force of the flow. As a demonstration, we show a controlled loading at single cell level and the phenotypic variation of gene expression of the yeast strain w303 as a function of copper ion concentration of the medium.