Biocompatible microfabrication of 3D isolation chambers for targeted confinement of individual cells and their progeny.
We describe a technique to physically isolate single/individual cells from their surrounding environment by fabricating three-dimensional microchambers around selected cells under biocompatible conditions. Isolation of targeted cells is achieved via rapid fabrication of protein hydrogels from a biocompatible precursor solution using multiphoton lithography, an intrinsically 3D laser direct write microfabrication technique. Cells remain chemically accessible to environmental cues enabling their propagation into well-defined, high density populations. We demonstrate this methodology on gram negative (E. coli), gram positive (S. aureus), and eukaryotic (S. cerevisiae) cells. The opportunities to confine viable, single/individual-cells and small populations within user-defined microenvironments afforded by this approach should facilitate the study of cell behaviors across multiple generations.
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States.
Jason C
JC
Harper
Susan M
SM
Brozik
C Jeffrey
CJ
Brinker
Bryan
B
Kaehr
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods*; D002470:Cell Survival; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000166:cytology; D020100:Hydrogels; D055616:Microtechnology / Q000379:methods*; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000166:cytology; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000737:chemistry; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000166:cytology
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine