On-chip cell migration assay using microfluidic channels

Cell migration plays a crucial role in various biological processes including embryogenesis, wound healing, immune response, and tissue development. Conventional cell migration assays for screening of chemo-attractants or -repellants are initiated by physical scraping of a portion of confluent cells on normal culture surfaces. However, this protocol requires both a large number of cells and an increased amount of reagents. Additionally, these methods are not suitable for scaling-up for high-throughput screening. Here, we show an on-chip cell migration assay utilizing microfluidic channels. Laminar flow of trypsin solution in microfluidic channels achieved well-controlled cell detachment of a portion of confluent cell monolayers, which could effectively pattern wound edges to mimic biological wounding in vivo. Trypsin laminar flow in precisely fabricated microfluidic devices enables accurate and reliable cell migration assay with limited amounts of reagents to either promote or inhibit cell migration.