MEMS-based dynamic cell-to-cell culture platforms using electrochemical surface modifications

作者：Chang Jiyoung^*; Yoon Sang Hee; Mofrad Mohammad R K; Lin Liwei

来源：Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 2011, 21(5): 054028.

DOI：10.1088/0960-1317/21/5/054028

MEMS-based biological platforms with the capability of both spatial placements and time releases of living cells for cell-to-cell culture experiments have been designed and demonstrated utilizing electrochemical surface modification effects. The spatial placement is accomplished by electrochemical surface modification of substrate surfaces to be either adhesive or non-adhesive for living cells. The time control is achieved by the electrical activation of the selective indium tin oxide co-culture electrode to allow the migration of living cells onto the electrode to start the cell-to-cell culture studies. Prototype devices have a three-electrode design with an electrode size of 50 x 50 mu m(2) and the separation gaps of 2 mu m between them. An electrical voltage of -1.5 V has been used to activate the electrodes independently and sequentially to demonstrate the dynamic cell-to-cell culture experiments of NIH 3T3 fibroblast and Madin Darby canine kidney cells. As such, this MEMS platform could be a basic yet versatile tool to characterize transient cell-to-cell interactions.

• 出版日期2011-5