We present a simple method to pattern multiple cell populations inside a microfluidic channel. The microchannel is partially filled with a cell suspension, and the position of the liquid boundary remains pinned by surface tension. Cells then adhere only in the filled portion of the channel, producing a very sharp boundary. The process can be performed in an unmodified microfluidic channel with only a manual syringe and can be repeated multiple times to pattern cocultures or tricultures. We demonstrate the patterning method with two different mammalian cell types, 3T3 fibroblasts and NMuMG epithelial cells, and channel heights of 1.5 mm and 0.5 mm. We anticipate that this method will be useful for studies of cell–cell interactions where precise control of the fluidic microenvironment is required.

中文翻译：

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通过微流控通道中的表面张力钉扎进行细胞构图

我们提出了一种在微流控通道内模式化多个细胞群体的简单方法。微通道被细胞悬浮液部分填充，并且液体边界的位置保持被表面张力固定。然后，细胞仅粘附在通道的填充部分，产生非常尖锐的边界。该过程可以仅使用手动注射器在未修饰的微流体通道中进行，并且可以重复多次以形成共培养或三培养的图案。我们演示了两种不同的哺乳动物细胞类型，3T3成纤维细胞和NMuMG上皮细胞，以及通道高度为1.5毫米和0.5毫米的图案化方法。我们预计该方法将对需要精确控制流体微环境的细胞间相互作用的研究有用。