Metastasis of cancer requires adhesion and migration of cells. The effect of chemokine gradient on prostate
cancer cells (PCC) is not well understood. A poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device that
enables time-lapse study of cell migration is presented. Photolithography and soft lithography processes were
used to fabricate the PDMS devices from SU-8 molds. The device has two inlets, a cell reservoir and an outlet
channel with a depth of 100μm. The microfluidic device is configured to provide fluid mixing leading to a
gradient across the outlet channel. The inlets allow for introduction of different chemokines at different
concentrations and flow rates. The cell migration in the presence of chemokine gradient and flow rate can
thus be monitored in a time-lapse fashion. The gradient formations at different flow rates over different
lengths of time have been analyzed. Flow rates of 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 20 μl/min at 5-minute intervals for over an
hour were monitored to determine optimum flow rates and times required to produce desired gradient
profiles. Results suggest that gradients formed at lower flow rates have less variation over time. Moreover,
lower flow rates do not affect cell movement making observation of cell migration towards gradients
possible. Higher flow rates have better gradient definition but cells tend to flow away with the fluid.
The analysis of cellular activity when exposed to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is necessary as this material
has been used in various applications such as tissue engineering and microfluidic devices for cellular studies
due to the polymer's unique mechanical properties. In this particular study, we investigated the effects of
corona surface treated PDMS with different cross-linker ratios on cellular activities by analyzing prostate
cancer cell (PC-3) and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) adhesion and proliferation. Both cell lines were
subjected to a thin PDMS layer immediately after and 24 hours after corona treatment. The results indicated
steady cell adhesion and proliferation rates for both smooth muscle and prostate cancer cells when seeded
onto PDMS 24 hours after corona surface treatment, but significantly less cell adhesion when seeded
immediately after activation and controls (PDMS without any treatment). These results would allow future
PC-3 and VSMC experiments to be performed in a PDMS environment that is not detrimental for adhesion
and proliferation.
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