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Microfluidic Devices for Behavioral Analysis, Microscopy, and Neuronal Imaging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Ross C Lagoy1, Eric Larsen1, Dan Lawler1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 23, 2022
Summary
This study introduces simple microfluidic devices for C. elegans research, simplifying behavioral and neuronal activity analysis. The methods aim to reduce common operational frustrations for researchers new to microfluidics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Microfluidic devices offer advantages for C. elegans research, including precise environmental control and automated screening.
- Widespread adoption is hindered by complexity, operational issues (clogging, leaks), fabrication challenges, and result characterization.
- Overcoming these barriers is crucial for advancing C. elegans studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the preparation and operation of simple, reusable microfluidic devices for C. elegans research.
- To provide methods for quantifying behavioral responses to chemical patterns.
- To present single-use devices for time-lapse microscopy and neuronal activity measurement.
Main Methods:
- Development of simple, reusable microfluidic devices for chemical pattern response assays.
- Design of single-use microfluidic devices for animal arrangement in time-lapse microscopy.
- Implementation of microfluidic assays for neuronal activity measurement in C. elegans.
- Focus on user-friendly protocols to mitigate common microfluidic operational challenges.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of effective preparation and operation of microfluidic devices for C. elegans.
- Successful quantification of behavioral responses to defined chemical gradients.
- Facilitation of time-lapse microscopy and neuronal activity measurements using microfluidic setups.
- Reduction in operational difficulties typically encountered by new users.
Conclusions:
- Simple microfluidic devices can be effectively prepared and operated for C. elegans research.
- These devices facilitate precise behavioral and neuronal activity analysis.
- The described methods aim to lower the barrier to entry for microfluidic applications in C. elegans research.
