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Rapid Subtractive Patterning of Live Cell Layers with a Microfluidic Probe
Published on: September 15, 2016
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Rapid Subtractive Patterning of Live Cell Layers with a Microfluidic Probe
Aditya Kashyap1, Julien F Cors1, Robert D Lovchik1
1IBM Research - Zurich.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|September 30, 2016
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic probe (MFP) that precisely patterns cell monolayers by locally lysing and removing cells. This technique enables controlled studies of cell interactions in real-time.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Microfluidic probes (MFP) enable localized chemical reactions on biological substrates using nanoliter liquid volumes.
- Hierarchical hydrodynamic flow confinement (hHFC) is a specific MFP implementation allowing simultaneous contact of multiple liquids with a substrate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for creating user-defined cell patterns using microfluidic technology.
- To enable rapid, real-time, and spatially controlled cell patterning for interaction studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the scanning capability of the microfluidic probe (MFP).
- Employing hierarchical hydrodynamic flow confinement (hHFC) for precise liquid handling.
- Applying local chemical lysis and removal of cells to create patterns.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the creation of user-defined cell monolayer patterns.
- Achieved rapid and spatially controlled cell patterning.
- Enabled selective cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction studies.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic probe protocol offers a novel approach for precise cell patterning.
- This method facilitates advanced research into cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
- The technique provides real-time, spatially controlled manipulation of biological substrates.
