一种基于微流控芯片和电化学自组装单层的多细胞表面构图方法

Patterning different cells based on microfluidics and self-assembled monolayers

摘要:

细胞表面构图技术对于研究细胞以及细胞间相互作用具有重要意义。近年来随着微加工技术与表面修饰技术的发展, 出现了多种细胞表面构图方法。本研究介绍一种基于微流控芯片和电化学自组装单层修饰的多细胞表面构图方法。该方法通过软光刻技术加工具有2种细胞拦截坝结构阵列的微流控通道来实现2种细胞在芯片表面准确定位; 通过表面修饰具有阻碍细胞贴壁特性自组装单层来实现对细胞生长区域的限制; 最终实现2种不同细胞近距离表面构图。该方法的优点在于, 可以使多种细胞根据需要进行准确的表面构图, 细胞区域之间没有物理隔离共享培养微环境, 允许不同种细胞通过细胞分泌因子进行相互作用, 基底透明表面开放可以使用多种观测手段。该方法可以用于不同种细胞间相互作用的研究。

Abstract:

The ability to pattern multiple cells through precise surface engineering of cell culture substrates has promoted the development of cellular bioassays, such as differentiation, interaction and molecular signaling pathways. There are several well developed ways to pattern cells. This report describes a method for patterning multiple types of cells based on microfluidics and self-assembled monolayers. We developed two types of micro-dam structures by soft-lithography to locate cells precisely and modified the substrate by a kind of self-assembled monolayer with property of electrochemical desorption to confine cells in specific areas. Finally we could pattern an array of two different types of cells closely and precisely. Cells were confined in specific areas but still shared the same microenvironment, so they could interact through soluble molecules. The substrate was transparent and open, so we could easily apply several instruments for research. With these merits, this cell chip is appropriate for investigating the interaction between different types of cells.