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Patterning of Microorganisms and Microparticles through Sequential Capillarity-assisted Assembly
Published on: November 4, 2021
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Versatile multiple protein nanopatterning within a microfluidic channel for cell recruitment studies
A S Andersen1, W F Zheng, D S Sutherland
1Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Århus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Århus, Denmark.
Lab on a Chip
|November 4, 2015
Summary
Scientists created complex protein nanopatterns in microchannels to study how white blood cells (leukocytes) move. This new method precisely controls protein placement, revealing how cell rolling is limited to specific adhesion molecule patterns.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cellular Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Studying leukocyte extravasation requires precise control over protein presentation at the micro/nano-scale.
- Existing methods lack the ability to create complex, multi-protein nanopatterns within microfluidic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for generating complex, multi-protein nanopatterns within microchannels.
- To investigate the role of nanoscale protein spatial distribution in leukocyte extravasation mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Combining self-assembly-based colloidal lithography and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micromolding.
- In situ chemical functionalization of nanostructured surfaces within microchannels using an all-aqueous process.
- Co-immobilization of multiple proteins (up to three) using non-covalent coupling strategies (HIS-tags, FC-tags, biotin-tags).
Main Results:
- Successfully generated complex bi-functional chemical nanopatterns with oriented, functional proteins.
- Demonstrated co-immobilization of up to three different proteins with nanoscale precision within microchannels.
- Constructed an inflamed endothelium mimic and observed leukocyte rolling behavior limited to specific ICAM1 and P-selectin patterned areas.
Conclusions:
- The developed micro/nano-interface enables precise control over protein patterning for studying cell-surface interactions.
- This technology provides a powerful platform for investigating how spatial protein distributions influence cellular activities like leukocyte extravasation.
- The findings open new avenues for understanding the biophysical mechanisms governing cell adhesion and migration.
