Pumpless, selective docking of yeast cells inside a microfluidic channel induced by receding meniscus.
We present a simple cell docking method induced by receding meniscus to capture non-adherent yeast cells onto microwells inside a microfluidic channel. Microwells were fabricated either by capillary moulding of UV curable polyurethane acrylate (PUA) onto glass substrate or direct replica moulding of poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS). A cell suspension of the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was introduced into the microfluidic channel by surface tension driven capillary flow and a receding meniscus was subsequently generated by evaporation. As the meniscus progressed, one to multiple yeast cells were spontaneously captured onto microwells by lateral capillary force created at the bottom of the meniscus. Using this cell-based platform, we observed the response of yeast cells upon stimulation by a mating pheromone (alpha-factor) by monitoring the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) with time. It was observed that alpha-factor triggered the expression of GFP at 60 min after stimulation and the fluorescence intensity was sustained for an additional 60 min without changes.
Park
Min Cheol
MC
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea.
Hur
Jae Young
JY
Kwon
Keon Woo
KW
Park
Sang-Hyun
SH
Suh
Kahp Y
KY
D018914:Cells, Immobilized; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D015966:Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal / Q000187:drug effects; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000072235:Mating Factor; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D044085:Microfluidics; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D010455:Peptides; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D000072235:Mating Factor