Engineering of a microfluidic cell culture platform embedded with nanoscale features

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Cells interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and neighboring cells within microenvironments.
• ECM nanotopography and interstitial flows are crucial for tissue maintenance and pathobiology.
• Understanding cell-matrix interactions requires dynamic culture systems that mimic native conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a microfluidic platform incorporating nanotopography and fluid flow for studying cell-matrix interactions.
• To investigate the combined effects of nanotopography and fluid shear stress on human mesenchymal stem cells.
• To develop a tool for regulating stem cell fate through engineered microenvironments.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microfluidic channels with nanopatterns using polymer thin film technology and microtransfer assembly.
• Generation of large-area nanopatterned surfaces via a versatile stitching technique.
• Dynamic culture of human mesenchymal stem cells within the nanostructured microfluidic device.

Main Results:

• Nanotopography and fluid shear stress significantly impacted human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, spreading, and migration.
• The interplay between nanotopography and fluid shear stress regulated cytoskeleton and nuclei orientation and deformation.
• Demonstrated the influence of microenvironmental cues on cellular behavior and potential for stem cell fate regulation.

Conclusions:

• The nanostructured microfluidic platform is a valuable tool for fundamental research on cell-matrix interactions.
• This platform can be utilized to control and understand stem cell behavior in response to engineered microenvironments.
• Findings advance the understanding of how physical cues in the microenvironment influence cell function and fate.