title: Handheld recirculation system and customized media for microfluidic cell culture.
abstract: A palm-sized microfluidic recirculation system and customized media enable simplified long-term culture and imaging of cells. The combination of bare Braille display modules, a leveled monolithic surface for complete chip mounting, and a transparent heater improved portability, mechanical stability and optical accessibility. Modification of basal culture media with Leibovitz's L-15 medium enabled an incubator-free culture of carbonate-dependent cells by eliminating the need for exogenous carbon dioxide. This capability is demonstrated through time-lapse recording of proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts for over 2 weeks in ambient atmosphere without medium exchange. The method opens up new possibilities for portable cell culture and for long-term continuous visual monitoring of cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2115 Gerstacker Bldg., 2200 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2099, USA.
authors.forename: Nobuyuki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Futai
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.forename: Jonathan W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Shuichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takayama
mesh_terms: D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D003470:Culture Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D032446:Myoblasts / Q000166:cytology; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology; D012682:Sensory Aids; D012828:Silicones / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D012828:Silicones; C078211:polymethylsiloxane