A microfluidic device with groove patterns for studying cellular behavior

J Vis Exp. 2007:(7):270. doi: 10.3791/270. Epub 2007 Aug 30.

Abstract

We describe a microfluidic device with microgrooved patterns for studying cellular behavior. This microfluidic platform consists of a top fluidic channel and a bottom microgrooved substrate. To fabricate the microgrooved channels, a top poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) mold containing the impression of the microfluidic channels was aligned and bonded to a microgrooved substrate. Using this device, mouse fibroblast cells were immobilized and patterned within microgrooved substrates (25, 50, 75, and 100 microm wide). To study apoptosis in a microfluidic device, media containing hydrogen peroxide, Annexin V, and propidium iodide was perfused into the fluidic channel for 2 hours. We found that cells exposed to the oxidative stress became apoptotic. These apoptotic cells were confirmed by Annexin V that bound to phosphatidylserine at the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane during the apoptosis process. Using this microfluidic device with microgrooved patterns, the apoptosis process was observed in real-time and analyzed by using an inverted microscope containing an incubation chamber (37 degrees C, 5% CO(2)). Therefore, this microfluidic device incorporated with microgrooved substrates could be useful for studying the cellular behavior and performing high-throughput drug screening.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Annexin A5 / metabolism
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Cell Physiological Phenomena*
  • Cells / drug effects
  • Cells / metabolism
  • Equipment Design
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Oxidants / pharmacology
  • Propidium / metabolism

Substances

  • Annexin A5
  • Oxidants
  • Propidium
  • Hydrogen Peroxide