A Microfluidic Probe Integrated Device for Spatiotemporal 3D Chemical Stimulation in Cells
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
2
Micro/Nano Technology Center (MNTC), Tokai University, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contribute equally.
Micromachines 2020, 11(7), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11070691
Received: 1 June 2020
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Revised: 5 July 2020
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Accepted: 14 July 2020
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Published: 16 July 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Microarrays)
Numerous in vitro studies have been conducted in conventional static cell culture systems. However, most of the results represent an average response from a population of cells regardless of their local microenvironment. A microfluidic probe is a non-contact technology that has been widely used to perform local chemical stimulation within a restricted space, providing elaborated modulation and analysis of cellular responses within the microenvironment. Although microfluidic probes developed earlier have various potential applications, the two-dimensional structure can compromise their functionality and flexibility for practical use. In this study, we developed a three-dimensional microfluidic probe integrated device equipped with vertically oriented microchannels to overcome crucial challenges and tested the potential utility of the device in biological research. We demonstrated that the device tightly regulated spatial diffusion of a fluorescent molecule, and the flow profile predicted by simulation replicated the experimental results. Additionally, the device modulated the physiological Ca2+ response of cells within the restricted area by altering the local and temporal concentrations of biomolecules such as ATP. The novel device developed in this study may provide various applications for biological studies and contribute to further understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying cellular physiology.
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MDPI and ACS Style
Shinha, K.; Nihei, W.; Kimura, H. A Microfluidic Probe Integrated Device for Spatiotemporal 3D Chemical Stimulation in Cells. Micromachines 2020, 11, 691. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11070691
AMA Style
Shinha K, Nihei W, Kimura H. A Microfluidic Probe Integrated Device for Spatiotemporal 3D Chemical Stimulation in Cells. Micromachines. 2020; 11(7):691. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11070691
Chicago/Turabian StyleShinha, Kenta, Wataru Nihei, and Hiroshi Kimura. 2020. "A Microfluidic Probe Integrated Device for Spatiotemporal 3D Chemical Stimulation in Cells" Micromachines 11, no. 7: 691. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11070691
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