title: How to embed three-dimensional flexible electrodes in microfluidic devices for cell culture applications.
abstract: This communication describes a simple, rapid and cost effective method of embedding a conductive and flexible material within microfluidic devices as a means to realize uniform electric fields within cellular microenvironments. Fluidic channels and electrodes are fabricated by traditional soft-lithography in conjunction with chemical etching of PDMS. Devices can be deformable (thus allowing for a combination of electro-mechanical stimulation), they are made from inexpensive materials and easily assembled by hand; this method is thus accessible to a wide range of laboratories and budgets.
authors: Bioengineering Department, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Pavesi
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Piraino
authors: Gianfranco B
authors: GB
authors: Fiore
authors: Kevin M
authors: KM
authors: Farino
authors: Matteo
authors: M
authors: Moretti
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Rasponi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002460:Cell Line; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D004566:Electrodes; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D004867:Equipment Design; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D032386:Myoblasts, Cardiac; D053761:Nanocomposites; D009757:Nylons; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D009757:Nylons; C085707:poly(dimethylsiloxane)-polyamide copolymer