The culture and differentiation of amniotic stem cells using a microfluidic system

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to differentiate into multiple tissue lineages for cell therapy and, therefore, have attracted considerable interest recently. In this study, a new microfluidic system is presented which can culture and differentiate MSCs in situ. It is composed of several components, including stem cell culture areas, micropumps, microgates, seeding reservoirs, waste reservoirs and fluid microchannels; all fabricated by using micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) technology. The developed automated system allows for the long-term culture and differentiation of MSCs. Three methods, including Oil Red O staining for adipogenic cells, alkaline phosphatase staining and immunofluorescence staining are used to assess the differentiation of MSCs. Experimental results clearly demonstrate that the MSCs can be cultured for proliferation and different types of differentiation are possible in this microfluidic system, which can maintain a suitable and stable pH value over long time periods. This prototype microfluidic system has great potential as a powerful tool for future MSC studies.