Multiscale cytometry and regulation of 3D cell cultures on a chip

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00475-x
• Publication Date: 2017-09-01T10:23:47Z
• Authors: Sébastien Sart; Raphaël F.-X. Tomasi; Gabriel Amselem; Charles N. Baroud
• Keywords: Spheroid; Cytometry; Single-Cell Analysis; Microfluidic chip; Mass cytometry; 3D cell culture

Three-dimensional cell culture is emerging as a more relevant alternative to the traditional two-dimensional format. Yet ability perform cytometry at single level on intact three-dimensional spheroids or together with temporal regulation of microenvironment remains limited. Here we describe microfluidic platform high-density culture, controlled stimulation, and observation in chip. The method extends capabilities droplet microfluidics for performing long-term adherent cells. Using arrays 500 per chip, situ immunocytochemistry image analysis provide multiscale that demonstrate population scale, 104 spheroids, over 105 cells, correlating functionality cellular location within spheroids. Also, an individual spheroid can be extracted further culturing. This will enable shift towards quantitative studies cultures, under dynamic conditions, implications stem organs-on-chips, cancer research.3D than format, but methods parallel are authors develop system 3D enabling cells spheroid.