Microfluidics unplugged: Tools for in vitro cell biology

This dissertation reports on the development of a microfluidic platform for cell biology, where traditional tools, such as pipettes and automated liquid handling instruments are used to deliver fluids to the microfluidic structures. The performance of tubeless (i.e. physical connection-free) microfluidic systems was tested, including characterization of seeding density and a study of adipocyte differentiation. Several functions are demonstrated including cell patterning via fixed volume seeding, and applications to cell migration and co-culture experiments. The simplicity of this platform facilitates the use of microfluidics by non-experts, and since no specialized hardware (e.g. syringe pumps) is needed the arrays are immediately useful in biology laboratories.