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Maximizing Fibroblast Adhesion on Protein-Coated Surfaces Using Microfluidic Cell Printing
S N Davidoff1, D Au1, B K Gale2
1Wasatch Microfluidics, Salt Lake City, UT 84103.
RSC Advances
|March 19, 2016
Summary
A novel vertical microfluidic cell printer improves biomaterial testing by better simulating cellular environments. This technology enhances the study of fibroblast adhesion under flow, optimizing conditions for cell attachment and viability.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cellular Biology
- Microfluidics Engineering
Background:
- Translating in vitro cell assays to in vivo responses remains challenging.
- Three-dimensional cell cultures and microfluidics offer improvements but face integration limitations.
- A vertical microfluidic cell printer is developed to bridge this gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel vertical microfluidic cell printer.
- To investigate fibroblast adhesion under flow on protein-coated surfaces.
- To model fibroblast behavior during the foreign body response to implants.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel vertical microfluidic print head.
- Investigated fibroblast adhesion under varying flow rates and channel sizes.
- Assessed cell attachment on serum-coated surfaces.
Main Results:
- Identified optimal conditions for fibroblast adhesion: low flow rate and larger microfluidic channels.
- Achieved the highest density of viable fibroblast attachment under these conditions.
- Demonstrated the platform's ability to isolate mechanical and biological factors.
Conclusions:
- The vertical microfluidic cell printer effectively recapitulates complex cellular environments.
- Insights into fibroblast surface attachment can inform better biomaterial design.
- The developed method serves as a valuable platform for biomaterials testing.
