Monolayer microbubbles fabricated by microfluidic device for keratocytes observation

In order to construct 3D culture system for tracking cell migration, microfluidic techniques were applied to generate micro bubbles composed of gelatin, and then the bubbles were fabricated into monolayer in the micro-channel which is cell-traceable under phase microscope. The keratocytes were harvested through primary culture from Hpsophrys nicaraguensis (a fish). Live cell imaging was used to record the migration trajectory and the morphology changes. Moreover, galvanotaxis, the tendency of cells directed by an electrical field was studied. Without the electrical field, random pattern was observed in the 2D micro-channel. When the electrical field was applied, the keratocytes in 3D gelatin bubbles migrated along the rim of bubbles and went across the interconnecting pore between the adjacent bubbles, causing the tortuous trajectory of migration patterns. However, in the 2D micro-channel, the keratocytes’ migration paths are closer to straight lines. The speed and velocity of keratocytes for both 2D and 3D environment were also compared under the condition with electric field. We believe that the understanding of the keratocytes’ migration behavior in 2D and 3D condition under electric field will provide valuable information in succeeding the model system of wound repairs and electrophysiological environment in vivo.

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► We fabricated monolayer microbubbles to study cell migration.
► We used live cell imaging to record the migration trajectory of the motile cells.
► We applied electrical field to microbubbles to investigate galvanotaxis.
► We calculated the speed and velocity of the motile cells under the electric field.