Constructing Schematics for a Novel Microfluidic Slide for in vivo Imaging of Larval Zebrafish

Abstract

Larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) are optically transparent at six- and seven-days post fertilization (dpf) which makes them viable research models for the study of metabolic and physiological processes. Previous methods to image zebrafish were limited to embryogenesis and early larval stages. Our goal is to design a novel micro-fluidic slide for mounting zebrafish that greatly extends the duration of time for in vivo imaging of zebrafish larvae that are six to seven days post fertilization (dpf). We show durations of twelve to twenty four hours from increased from six hours of our previous prototype while monitoring six larvae per slide. Our larval chamber maintains the larvae in a static condition without anesthesia, has channels to provide media and gas exchange, nourishment, correct temperature, and ability to deliver timed drug treatments. Initial imaging (63x bright-field) reveals improved intestinal uptake of labeled dietary lipids while monitoring several larvae simultaneously. Our goal is to continue optimization with confocal imaging.