The Stress-Chip: A microfluidic platform for stress analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216283
• Publication Date: 2019-05-01T17:47:18Z
• Authors: Stephen A. Banse; Benjamin W. Blue; Kristin J. Robinson; Cody M. Jarrett; Patrick C. Phillips
• Keywords: Stressor; Model Organism

An organism's ability to mount a physiological response external stressors is fundamental its interaction with the environment. Experimental exploration of these interactions benefits greatly from maintain tight control environment, even under conditions in which it would be normal for subject flee stressor. Here we present nematode research platform that pairs automated image acquisition and analysis custom microfluidic device. This enables environmental low-density, single-worm arenas, preclude animal escape while still allowing broad range behavioral activities. The easily scalable, two 50 arena arrays per chip an imaging capacity 600 animals scanning Validating device using dietary, osmotic, oxidative stress indicates should use as platform, including eventual adaptation additional stressors, anthelmintic-drug screening, toxicology studies.