Biocompatible multi-address 3D cell assembly in microfluidic devices using spatially programmable gel formation.

Cheng, Yi; Luo, Xiaolong; Tsao, Chen-Yu; Wu, Hsuan-Chen; Betz, Jordan; Payne, Gregory F; Bentley, William E; Rubloff, Gary W · Lab Chip · 2011

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Programmable 3D cell assembly under physiological pH conditions is achieved using electrodeposited stimuli-responsive alginate gels in a microfluidic device, with parallel sidewall electrodes enabling direct observation of the cell assembly. Electrically triggered assembly and subsequent viability of mammalian cells is demonstrated, along with spatially programmable, multi-address assembly of different strains of E. coli cells. Our approach enables in vitro study of dynamic cellular and inter-cellular processes, from cell growth and stimulus/response to inter-colony and inter-species signaling.

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