Microfluidic device for continuous observation of cellular behaviors in specialized core-shell microcapsules

Abstract

To screen cellular behavior in individual microcapsules, we propose a new method that is capable of efficiently trapping, capturing, monitoring, and collecting microcapsules by using hydrodynamic and magnetic forces. We generated specialized core-shell microcapsules with magnet particles (1.05 µm) that respond to a magnetic force by a core-shell encapsulation microfluidic device. Microcapsules were individually trapped in the trap wells of a microfluidic device by a hydrodynamic force. Then, the microcapsules were captured firmly by a magnetic force that did not allow any microcapsules to escape from the trap wells. In addition, the microcapsules could also be collected easily by removing the magnet from the microfluidic device. A mouse embryonic carcinoma cell line, P19, was encapsulated to form embryonic bodies, resulting in a high rate (>90%) of spheroid formation while maintaining strong cell aggregation and viability. We expect that this method can provide a useful screening tool to study stem cells and tumors with respect to chemical cues.