Multiparameter evaluation of the longevity in C. elegans under stress using an integrated microfluidic device

Area of Science:

• Aging and longevity research
• Model organism studies
• Microfluidics in biological research

Background:

• Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a widely used model organism for aging studies.
• Evaluating longevity and stress responses in C. elegans typically requires specialized equipment.
• There is a need for advanced platforms to facilitate high-throughput analysis of aging in C. elegans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a microfluidic device for assessing C. elegans longevity under stress.
• To investigate the effects of polydatin on C. elegans lifespan and stress response.
• To establish a high-throughput platform for drug evaluation in aging research.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a microfluidic device with integrated microvalves and parallel channels.
• Long-term culture and real-time manipulation of C. elegans within the microfluidic device.
• Simultaneous measurement of lifespan, mobility, and oxidative stress fluorescence in individual C. elegans (CL2166 strain).

Main Results:

• The microfluidic device successfully enabled long-term culture and flexible manipulation of C. elegans.
• Polydatin administration significantly extended the mean lifespan of the CL2166 mutant strain.
• The study demonstrated the device's capability for multiparameter evaluation at single-animal resolution.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic platform is effective for real-time, high-throughput evaluation of C. elegans longevity and stress response.
• Polydatin shows potential for lifespan extension in C. elegans, possibly through oxidative stress modulation.
• This technology provides a powerful tool for drug discovery and aging research.