title: Automated cell culture in high density tubeless microfluidic device arrays.
abstract: Microfluidics is poised to have an impact on life sciences research. However, current microfluidic methods are not compatible with existing laboratory liquid dispensing and detection infrastructure. This incompatibility is a barrier to adoption of microfluidic systems and calls for improved approaches that will enhance performance and promote acceptance of microfluidic systems in the life sciences. Ease of use, standardized interfaces and automation remain critical challenges. We present a platform based on surface tension effects, where the difference in pressure inside drops of unequal volume drives flow in passive structures. We show integration with existing laboratory infrastructure, microfluidic operations such as pumping, routing and compartmentalization without discrete micro-components as well as cell patterning in both monolayer and three-dimensional cell culture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
authors.forename: Ivar
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Meyvantsson
authors.forename: Jay W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Warrick
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Allyson
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skoien
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Beebe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D051379:Mice; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013500:Surface Tension