Milli-channel array for direct and quick reading of root elongation bioassays

A novel platform to perform systematic analysis and direct reading of root elongation bioassays is presented. The device was designed to include multiplexed microenvironments for the germination and growth of individual seeds, which allows observation by the naked eye or by optical systems, notably cellphone cameras. Prototypes were fabricated by laser micromachining on a highly transparent material that is fully compatible with biological systems. The effectiveness of the milli-channel array was verified against the conventional system (Petri dish). Lactuca sativa was chosen as a model species and glyphosate as a typical toxic agent. All tests were run according to standardized procedures and data analysis was carried out through different statistical indicators such as the root elongation and germination indexes. Results attained in the milli-channel array were identical to those in Petri dish, with the remarkable benefit that several steps required in the conventional system were avoided, which enormously decreases the operation time and the possibility of experimental errors. Further advantages of the milli-channel array are also reported, such as the capability to achieve live imaging of plant organs growth through a simple experiment. The developed device has been proven to be effective, versatile, easy-to-use, and integrable to cellphones, which naturally provide facilities for data recording, analysis, and networking. These improvements open the route to novel applications of bioassays in the wide field of ecotoxicology and environmental studies.