Single Cell Localization and Patterning
Information
This research attempts to leverage newly discovered advantages of organized co-cultures in a bio-artificial device. Micro-fabrication methods are particularly relevant to these biological structures because their resolution is sufficient to create structural features capable of capturing and stimulating individual cells. The fabrication process involves the creation of master molds from silicon fabrication technologies Cell patterning is applied to individual layers through both fluidic and shadow masking methods. Finally these cell layers can be combined into complex three-dimensional structures with internal voids and cell support structures as well as patterned cellular components.
Figure 1: Shadow Masking Cell Patterning
Left: PDMS shadow mask on a micorstructured silicon substrate
Right: Patterning of two cell types
Figure 2: Patterned Hepatocytes
Left: 100 micron cell features on micro structured silicon substrate
Right: Single cell patterning on a micro structured biodegradable sheet
Left: PDMS shadow mask on a micorstructured silicon substrate
Right: Patterning of two cell types
Figure 2: Patterned Hepatocytes
Left: 100 micron cell features on micro structured silicon substrate
Right: Single cell patterning on a micro structured biodegradable sheet