title: Biocompatible multi-address 3D cell assembly in microfluidic devices using spatially programmable gel formation.
abstract: Programmable 3D cell assembly under physiological pH conditions is achieved using electrodeposited stimuli-responsive alginate gels in a microfluidic device, with parallel sidewall electrodes enabling direct observation of the cell assembly. Electrically triggered assembly and subsequent viability of mammalian cells is demonstrated, along with spatially programmable, multi-address assembly of different strains of E. coli cells. Our approach enables in vitro study of dynamic cellular and inter-cellular processes, from cell growth and stimulus/response to inter-colony and inter-species signaling.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Systems Research (ISR), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Xiaolong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Chen-Yu
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Tsao
authors.forename: Hsuan-Chen
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Jordan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Betz
authors.forename: Gregory F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Bentley
authors.forename: Gary W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Rubloff
mesh_terms: D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques; D004566:Electrodes; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry*; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D005782:Gels; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D020723:Glucuronic Acid