Microchannels
Study your cell’s behavior in a 3D microenvironment
Study your cell’s behavior in a 3D microenvironment
This device contains a set of molded microchannels, with variable dimensions, where cells can migrate within.
> Channel with a variable width along their length (mimicking natural constrictions)
> Customized shapes and dimensions
> Available on 35 mm Petri dishes
> Compatible with high-resolution optical microscopy systems
> Material : PDMS
> If this device does not meet your needs, we can personalize it for you
Cell migration, nuclear mechanics, extravasation ability, etc
(Human CD8 T lymphocyte u a constriction microchannel) Image by Pablo Vargas (Institut Curie, UMR144)
and Fernando Sepulveda (Institut Imagine, UMR1163)
Jurkat cells passing through standard microchannels
T cell passaging through 3 mm constrictions microchannels (1)
Explore examples of application
> Cell migration in cancer assay: Analysis of cell behaviors during metastasis
> Cell nucleus squeezing assay: Precise control of nuclear membrane rupture
> Chemotaxis assay: Analysis of cell behaviors and cell migration in confined spaces
> Exosomes assay: Fabrication of mimetic nanovesicles
> Quantitative cell migration assay: fast and fine analysis of cell migration properties
Read more
All the features of the standard microchannels are detailed on the website.Along with the standard features, you can ask for customized microchannels. Contact us and we will discuss your needs.
The microchannels are closed, after molding, the chip has to be attached to a glass bottom petri dish to close the system.
The elastomer is a standard bi-composant PDMS Sylgard 184, mixed at a weight ratio of 10:1 with the curing agent.
The molds can be used multiple times if handled gently and kept in proper clean conditions. In the microchannels kit, 4 molds are provided to allow you to make more than 100 chips.
On the website video, there was no induced flow into the microchannels, this was spontaneous migration. It was a live-imaging video, and speed has been accelerated to obtain this result. (0.5 img/min)
Yes it is possible, you can control the flow rate thanks to the perfusion pack which has a flow controller, which can apply a flow rate ranging from 10nL/min to 5mL/min.
The molds are quite fragile, they have to be handled gently. The best way to clean the molds is to mold PDMS in them and carefully remove the chip to remove any excess dust or PDMS residues. The molds are not chemically resistant, do not use solvents.
To make microchannels in your lab, you need to use a plasma cleaner to activate the surfaces before bonding. We also recommend the use of an oven (up to 80°C) and a desiccator but it is not necessary.
In order for you to first try the 4Dcell products, we provide affordable starter packs (with either 20 or 50 articles). Therefore, you can have a first impression and confirm your experimental needs before ordering the appropriate products.
When you have decided which products you want to order, you can send us an order form. We will send you an invoice so that you can pay by bank transfer or with a Paypal account.If you have a special request concerning the payment method, contact us and we will find an appropriate solution.
We send the products in a delay of one month from the day we receive the order form.
All 4Dcell products can be sent worldwide. 4Dcell works with a Chinese distributor for the Asian market.