Kick-off meeting spring semester 2022

Present: Kristina, Erik, Claudia, Tiril, Thomas and Dag

Plan for spring 2022

Current state of project

• We have some microfluidic chip designs we can use although none are perfect (see examples below)
• Protocol for fibronectin coating is established
• Filling with cells works and cells do adhere.
• Problems with air bubbles.
• Finite lifetime of cells. Probably because they lack oxygen and correct CO2 level.

Goal for semester

Make a device that fulfills the following

• Controls CO2 level
  • CO2 input can be quickly changed
  • CO2 concentration is measured
  • feedback from measurement to CO2 input
• Cells adhere
• Cells stay alive and divide until they are confluent
• Splitting: partial cell release by trypsination and increased flow rate
• Cells continue to adhere and divide after splitting
• Possibly perform an additional experimentlike
  • migration assay by entering SDF-1/CXCL12 into a side channel
  • Ca2+ activation by flow, PBS and other changes

Write a scientific paper. Possible journals:

• Micromachines (MDPI)
• Sensors (MDPI)
• Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
• Biomicrofluidics
• Microfluidics and Nanofluidics

Specific sub-projects

CO2 measurement

In order to integrate a reliable CO2-measurement without too much development we will use the Zimmer & Peacock ISE OEM, pH sensor and software.

CO2 input change

Choice of method

• Control of CO2 in media source
• Control of CO2 in side channel
  • Choose membrane to side channel
    • PDMS
    • Gel

Robust microfluidic protocols

Gel barrier filling

Network with gradient generator

Network with gas flow channels separated from cell area with gel channels.