Neuronal cell navigation within a microfluidic device

Abstract

In this study, the polarization and navigation of neuronal cells was studied in response to quantified gradients of nerve growth factor (NGF). To accomplish this, a microfluidic device was designed and fabricated to generate stable concentration gradients of biomolecules in a cell culture chamber within a 3D microenvironment. Numerical simulation was implemented to optimize the device geometry for generating a uniform concentration gradient of NGF which was found to remain stable for multiple hours. Neural Stem/ Progenitor Cell (NSCs) migration and differentiation was studied within this microfluidic device in response to NGF concentration and within a 3D environment of collagen matrix. Also, axonal navigation of adult neurons was investigated within the same microenvironment and in response to NGF concentration. This device is expected to have wide applicability in the study of shear-sensitive cells such as neuronal cells and non-adherent cell types as well as in the study of migration through three dimensional matrices.