Issue 9, 2008

A platform for assessing chemotactic migration within a spatiotemporally defined 3D microenvironment

Abstract

While the quantification of cell movement within defined biochemical gradients is now possible with microfluidic approaches, translating this capability to biologically relevant three-dimensional microenvironments remains a challenge. We introduce an accessible platform, requiring only standard tools (e.g. pipettes), that provides robust soluble factor control within a three-dimensional biological matrix. We demonstrate long-lasting linear and non-linear concentration profiles that were maintained for up to ten days using 34.5 μL solute volume. We also demonstrate the ability to superimpose local soluble factor pulses onto existing gradients via defined dosing windows. The combination of long-term and transient gradient characteristics within a three-dimensional environment opens the door for signaling studies that investigate the migratory behavior of cells within a biologically representative matrix. To this end, we apply temporally evolving and long-lasting gradients to study the chemotactic responses of human neutrophils and the invasion of metastatic rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells (MtLN3) within three-dimensional collagen matrices.

Graphical abstract: A platform for assessing chemotactic migration within a spatiotemporally defined 3D microenvironment

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 Mar 2008
Accepted
21 May 2008
First published
16 Jul 2008

Lab Chip, 2008,8, 1507-1515

A platform for assessing chemotactic migration within a spatiotemporally defined 3D microenvironment

V. V. Abhyankar, M. W. Toepke, C. L. Cortesio, M. A. Lokuta, A. Huttenlocher and D. J. Beebe, Lab Chip, 2008, 8, 1507 DOI: 10.1039/B803533D

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