Circular, nanostructured and biofunctionalized hydrogel microchannels for dynamic cell adhesion studies

Sebastian Kruss,Michael P Schön,Joachim P Spatz,Luise Erpenbeck

doi:10.1039/c2lc40611j

Abstract

We report on a method to fabricate biofunctionalized polyethylene glycol hydrogel microchannels with adjustable circular cross-sections. The inner channel surfaces are decorated with Au-nanoparticle arrays of tunable density. These Au-nanoparticles are functionalized with biomolecules whereas the hydrogel material provides an inert and biocompatible background. This technology provides control over flow conditions, channel curvature and biomolecule density on the channel surface. It can be applied for biophysical studies of cell-surface interactions mimicking, for example, leukocyte interactions with the endothelial lining in small vessels.

Highlights

Over the past decade, microfluidics has become a valuable tool for cell biology because it can provide control over small fluid volumes and biophysical parameters such as shear stress[1]
Experimental details are thoroughly described in the Electronic Supplementary Information (ESI)
It is desirable to tune the diameter of the hydrogel channels in the range below 100 μm because curvature effects will be most important when channel diameter and cell size are within the same order of magnitude

Summary

Introduction

Microfluidics has become a valuable tool for cell biology because it can provide control over small fluid volumes and biophysical parameters such as shear stress[1]. Circular cross-sections of microfluidic channels could mimic natural vessels and cell-surface interactions for example in the blood stream in a more in-vivo-like manner. The inner surfaces of the hydrogel channels are decorated with Au-nanoparticles (Au-NPs) of tunable density.

Results

Conclusion