Abstract
Using the latest innovations in microfabrication technology, 3-dimensional microfluidic cell culture systems have been developed as an attractive alternative to traditional 2-dimensional culturing systems as a model for long-term microscale cell-based research. Most microfluidic systems are based on the embedding of cells in hydrogels. However, physiologically realistic conditions based on hydrogels are difficult to obtain and the systems are often too complicated. We have developed a microfluidic cell culture device that incorporates a biodegradable rigid 3D polymer scaffold using standard soft lithography methods. The device permits repeated high-resolution fluorescent imaging of live cell populations within the matrix over a 4 week period. It was also possible to track cell development at the same spatial location throughout this time. In addition, human primary periodontal ligament cells were induced to produce quantifiable calcium deposits within the system. This simple and versatile device should be readily applicable for cell-based studies that require long-term culture and high-resolution bioimaging.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Royal Institute of Technology for financial support. Novus Scientific is acknowledged for their kind gift of polymer material. The research leading to these results has received funding by the European Union’s Seventh Framenwork Programme under grant agreement number 242175-VascuBone and from KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
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S. Dånmark and M. Gladnikoff have contributed equally to this work.
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Dånmark, S., Gladnikoff, M., Frisk, T. et al. Development of a novel microfluidic device for long-term in situ monitoring of live cells in 3-dimensional matrices. Biomed Microdevices 14, 885–893 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10544-012-9668-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10544-012-9668-1