A simple, new approach to localizing electrospun nanofiber scaffolds simply by direct writing of SU-8 photoresist followed by UV polymerization is presented. This method allows 3D cell culture arrays to be produced and it can be integrated with microfluidic devices easily to enable low-cost high-throughput cellular assays within an addressable 3D environment, which is attractive for use in drug screening, stem cell research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

Advanced Materials, 2012, 24, (16), 2191-2195

Multiparameter evaluation of the longevity in C. elegans under stress

we presented a microfluidic approach for the evaluation of longevity in C. elegans under stress. The microfluidic device integrated multiple microvalves with parallel channels, which enabled the long-time culture and flexible manipulation of C. elegans in real-time. The utility of the device was demonstrated by characterizing the lifespan, mobility behavior and oxidative stress in mutant strain CL2166 simultaneously.

Biomed Microdevices, 2012, 14(4), 721-728

Study of transendothelial invasion of tumor aggregates in realtime

To investigate the extravasation of ACC aggregates in detail, we developed an in vitro blood vessel model based on microfluidic technology. Cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions can be visualized and recorded in realtime. We demonstrated that ACC aggregates adhered to the endothelium and transmigrated to the endothelial layer when induced by CXCL12. The endothelial integrity is irreversibly damaged at the site of transendothelial invasion. This system provides new insights into the complex and dynamic tumor aggregate–endothelium interactions that occur during extravasation.

Lab on a chip,2012, 12, 2837-2842