Microfluidic-Based Scratch Assays for Wound Healing Studies: A Systematic Review.
Fernando A Oliveira1, Nicole M E Valle1, Keithy F da Silva1
1Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-000, SP, Brazil.
Cells
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Scratch-on-a-chip platforms offer advanced in vitro cell migration studies. These microfluidic tools improve reproducibility and better mimic physiological conditions compared to traditional scratch assays.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Cell migration is crucial for healing and disease, often studied using conventional scratch assays.
- Traditional scratch assays have limitations including poor reproducibility and ECM damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in scratch-on-a-chip platforms for studying cell migration.
- To highlight the advantages of microfluidic approaches over conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on scratch-on-a-chip technologies.
- Analysis of wound induction strategies: enzymatic, physical depletion, and physical exclusion.
- Examination of the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanical forces like shear stress.
Main Results:
- Scratch-on-a-chip platforms provide standardized, non-destructive wound generation.
- These systems allow precise control over the cellular microenvironment and reduce reagent consumption.
- Microfluidic assays enhance reproducibility and mimic in vivo conditions more effectively.
Conclusions:
- Scratch-on-a-chip assays represent a significant improvement for studying cell migration.
- These platforms offer enhanced control, reproducibility, and mimicry of physiological conditions.
- They hold promise for therapeutic testing and mechanistic studies of cell migration.
