An Easy-to-Use Polystyrene Microchip-based Cell Culture System

Anal Sci. 2016;32(3):349-53. doi: 10.2116/analsci.32.349.

Abstract

In this study, we developed an integrated, low-cost microfluidic cell culture system that is easy to use. This system consists of a disposable polystyrene microchip, a polytetrafluoroethylene valve, an air bubble trap, and an indium tin oxide temperature controller. Valve pressure resistance was validated with a manometer to be 3 MPa. The trap protected against bubble contamination. The temperature controller enabled the culture of Macaca mulatta RF/6A 135 vascular endothelial cells, which are difficult to culture in glass microchips, without a CO2 incubator. We determined the optimal coating conditions for these cells and were able to achieve stable, confluent culture within 1 week. This practical system is suitable for low-cost screening and has potential applications as circulatory cell culture systems and research platforms in cell biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Line
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Microchip Analytical Procedures / methods*
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry*
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Tin Compounds / chemistry

Substances

  • Polystyrenes
  • Tin Compounds
  • indium tin oxide
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene