High-throughput cell migration assay under combinatorial chemical environments by a novel 24-well-plate based device

The quantitative studies of cell proliferation and migration under different chemical environments are important for both scientists and clinicians searching for new therapeutics. In this study, we developed a new device to pattern several types of cells in 24-well-plate and demonstrated its' application in cancer cell proliferation and migration assay. The new device combined 3D-printed-silica-part for multi cell types loading with PDMS-through-hole-layer-part for cell micro-patterning which was matched with commercial 24-well-plate. This 24-well-plate based device is flexible and feasible in many applications and can be used in one piece or multi pieces. Besides the application for two types of cells proliferation and migration assay in one chemical condition, as a demonstration, the migration behaviors of four types of cells under 24 types of EGF + bFGF combinatorial conditions were studied. We believed this device could be widely used in clinical searching for new anti-cancer therapeutics and other related studies.