Capillary-valve-based platform towards cell-on-chip mechanotransduction assays

Abstract

a b s t r a c tReliable in vitro models are required to understand the ability of cells to respond and adapt to mechanical stimuli. To mimic and interface with the microenvironment, lab-on-a-chip devices and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) provide excellent options. However, little effort has been done in combining them. To address this shortcoming, we have developed a versatile microengineered platform which consists of two parts: an electrostatically actuated MEMS device used for mechanobiology assays, and a fluidic system for cell culture. A capillary valve allows inserting a silicon chip horizontally in the culture medium without leakage and without wetting of the electrostatic microactuators. The platform is designed for mechanotransduction assay on cells and aims specifically human mesenchymal stem cells. The proof of principle of the platform was performed by stable and long-term cultures of rat fibroblasts. We could also study the effect of periodic stress at various excitation frequencies.

Recent advances and future applications of microfluidic live-cell microarrays

“…In fact, mechanical strain can trigger stem cell differentiation in vitro into (Park et al, 2009b) osteogenic (Simmons et al, 2003), chondrogenic (McMahon et al, 2008, smooth muscle (Park et al, 2004) and endothelial lineages (Shojaei et al, 2013). including horizontal stretching of flexible cell-covered membranes , Huh et al, 2010b, vertical stretching of electroactive polymers using integrated onchip organic electronic microactuators (Svennersten et al, 2011), and tapping by means of electrostatic actuation of PDMS capillary valves (Hausherr et al, 2013). In summary, these technological advancements have enabled the creation of complex "Lab-on-a-Chip" and "micro-total analysis systems" containing integrated pumps and valves, mixers, actuators and degassers for cell analysis (Reichen et al, 2013).…”

Recent advances in microfluidic technologies for cell-to-cell interaction studies

“…In particular, mechanical strain, which represents an important factor that can trigger stem cell differentiation in vitro, [27][28][29][30][31] can be effectively achieved by using elaborate microscale systems with various techniques. [32][33][34][35] However, in the human body individual cell types are spatially arranged in three dimensions with high precision and constantly interact with and respond to adjacent cells. Because dynamic, yet controlled, cell-to-cell interactions play a key role in the maintenance of tissue function, regeneration and repair, co-culture systems have been established as an indispensable tool for investigating the dynamic interplay between homotypic, as well as heterotypic, cell populations.…”