Work

Biomolecular gradients in cell culture systems

Year: 2007

Type: review

Abstract: Biomolecule gradients have been shown to play roles in a wide range of biological processes including development, inflammation, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Elucidation of these phenomena requires the ability to expose cells to biomolecule gradients that are quantifiable, controllable, and mimic those that are present in vivo. Here we review the major biological phenomena in which biomolecule gradients are employed, traditional in vitro gradient-generating methods developed over the past 50 years, and new microfluidic devices for generating gradients. Microfluidic gradient generators offer greater levels of precision, quantitation, and spatiotemporal gradient control than traditional methods, and may greatly enhance our understanding of many biological phenomena. For each method, we outline the salient features, capabilities, and applications.

Source: Lab on a Chip

DOI: 10.1039/b711887b

Authors: Thomas M. Keenan, Albert Folch

Institution: University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Awards: Multiplexed Microfluidic Gradients for Axon Guidance, Effects of Axon Guidance Molecules on Cultured Neurons