Chemokine gradient formation in microfluidic devices to investigate prostate cancer cell migration

Smitha M.N. Rao, Cory Huggins, Maham Rahimi, Kytai Nguyen, J. C. Chiao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Metastasis of cancer requires adhesion and migration of cells. The effect of chemokine gradient on prostate cancer cells (PCC) is not well understood. A poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device that enables time-lapse study of cell migration is presented. Photolithography and soft lithography processes were used to fabricate the PDMS devices from SU-8 molds. The device has two inlets, a cell reservoir and an outlet channel with a depth of 100μm. The microfluidic device is configured to provide fluid mixing leading to a gradient across the outlet channel. The inlets allow for introduction of different chemokines at different concentrations and flow rates. The cell migration in the presence of chemokine gradient and flow rate can thus be monitored in a time-lapse fashion. The gradient formations at different flow rates over different lengths of time have been analyzed. Flow rates of 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 20 μl/min at 5-minute intervals for over an hour were monitored to determine optimum flow rates and times required to produce desired gradient profiles. Results suggest that gradients formed at lower flow rates have less variation over time. Moreover, lower flow rates do not affect cell movement making observation of cell migration towards gradients possible. Higher flow rates have better gradient definition but cells tend to flow away with the fluid.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBiomedical Applications of Micro- and Nanoengineering IV and Complex Systems
Pages727015
Number of pages1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventBiomedical Applications of Micro- and Nanoengineering IV and Complex Systems - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Duration: Dec 10 2008Dec 12 2008

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume7270
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Other

OtherBiomedical Applications of Micro- and Nanoengineering IV and Complex Systems
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityMelbourne, VIC
Period12/10/0812/12/08

Keywords

  • Cell migration
  • Chemokine
  • Gradient
  • Microfluidic device
  • Prostate cancer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Biomaterials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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