The ability to pattern multiple cells through precise surface engineering of cell culture substrates has promoted the development of cellular bioassays, such as differentiation, interaction and molecular signaling pathways. There are several well developed ways to pattern cells. This report describes a method for patterning multiple types of cells based on microfluidics and self-assembled monolayers. We developed two types of micro-dam structures by soft-lithography to locate cells precisely and modified the substrate by a kind of self-assembled monolayer with property of electrochemical desorption to confine cells in specific areas. Finally we could pattern an array of two different types of cells closely and precisely. Cells were confined in specific areas but still shared the same microenvironment, so they could interact through soluble molecules. The substrate was transparent and open, so we could easily apply several instruments for research. With these merits, this cell chip is appropriate for investigating the interaction between different types of cells.
Cell Adhesion ; physiology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells ; cytology ; Electrochemistry ; methods ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Microfluidics ; methods ; Substrate Specificity ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology

We developed a novel microfluidic cell chip, which enabled drug delivery, fluid control and cell co-culture. The device consisted of an array of 6x6 cell culture chambers, a drug gradient generator and fluidic control valves. Micro-dam structures of the chambers were able to trap cells while loading and drug gradient network generated drug gradient of 6 different concentrations. Also we applied hydraulic valves to control the microfluid and simulate the microenvironment of cells. We had investigated the viability of co-culturing cells in the chip and the ability for drug screening. This microfluidic cell chip has the potential in cell-based research of high throughput drug screening.
Biosensing Techniques ; instrumentation ; methods ; Cells, Cultured ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; methods ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; Humans ; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques ; instrumentation ; methods ; Microfluidics ; instrumentation ; methods ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology