Fabrication of Microfluidic
Devices for 3D Chemotaxis
Studies
Delaram Sahebzamani
University of South Florida
Mentor: Noo Li Jeon
Department of Biomedical
Engineering
Jeon Lab
The lab’s focus is on applying
microfluidics to biology. For the
past few years they have
concentrated on studying
chemotaxis of metastatic breast
cancer cells.
Chemotaxis
In chemotaxis cells exhibit directed
movement in response to external
concentration gradients.
By studying the migration of these breast
cancer cells in precisely controlled
gradients, one can gain further insights
into processes that will eventually lead to
better diagnosis and treatment.
The Next Step
All experiments done to this point have
been 2 dimensional and the NEXT STEP
is to develop devices to study migration
3D.
Why 3D?
The Answer
In various incidents cells migrate 3 dimensionally
and it is important to create such environments.
The tissues and organs of the human body are
abundant with Collagen. Therefore by using
Collagen Type 1 within the microfluidic devices
will allow us to mimic in vivo cells.
In vitro studies should mimic in vivo environment.
Fabrication
Steps
1. Plasma the Device onto a
Glass Slide
2. Inject Collagen solution into
device through inlet
3. Suction from outlet and
allow for polymerization to
occur
Problems
The Texture
Pressure Flow
Examples of Bad Devices
Great Devices!
Cell Density Experiments
2 Cell Lines: MDA MB 231 &
MTLn3
30,000
40,000
70,000
100,000
30,000 Cells of MDA MB 231
100,000 MDA MB 231 Cells
Phase 10X
40,000 MTLn3 Cells
Phase 10X
Fluorescence 10X
70,000 MTLn3 Cells
Phase 10X
Fluorescence10x
30,000 MTLn3 with Confocal
Microscope
300 Microns, Every 10 Microns
200 Microns every 5 Microns
Every 1 Micron on 1 Cell
Summary of Cell Density
Middle channels are 300 microns in depth
and it was determined that 30,000 to
40,000 cells was approximately the right
range to use for future experiments
Conclusion
3D Microfluidic Device was in fact
developed!!!!!!!!!
These new 3D devices will now be used
for chemotaxis studies.
Acknowledgements
Mentor: Dr. Noo Li Jeon
Graduate Student: Wajeeh Saadi
Lab: Jeong Won Park , Anne Taylor,
Bonggeun Chung, Kathleen O’ Hara, Babak
Mosadegh, Madelyn Luttgen, Cyrus Roushan
IM SURE: Said Shokair, Jerry McMillan,
Goran Matijasevic
National Science Foundation
Thank you!