Immobilizing C. elegans on-Chip: Advancements in Microfluidic Approaches

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed two microfluidic methods to immobilize the roundworm C. elegans on a chip. The first approach creates a CO2 micro-environment, while the second utilizes a deformable PDMS membrane to restrict the worm's movement. These methods enable short-term (minutes) immobilization, with the CO2 method also allowing for long-term (1-2 hours) immobilization and reduced photobleaching.

Key Takeaways:

  • The two microfluidic approaches were tested using an on-chip 'behavior' module to characterize the effect of immobilization on the worm's locomotion pattern.
  • Both methods are suitable for short-term immobilization (minutes), with the CO2 method offering additional benefits for long-term immobilization (1-2 hours) and reduced photobleaching.
  • The CO2 method was found to be particularly useful for applications requiring fluorescent imaging during immobilization.
  • The developed microfluidic approaches can be applied to various biological studies in C. elegans, including cell development and neuronal regeneration studies.
  • T.V. Chokshi and colleagues, from the University of Michigan, published their study in Lab on a Chip (2009;9(1):151-157).

Statistics:

  • Short-term immobilization was achieved using both microfluidic approaches, lasting for minutes.
  • Long-term immobilization was successfully achieved using the CO2 method, lasting for 1-2 hours.
  • The CO2 method also reduced photobleaching during immobilization, making it a more suitable option for fluorescent imaging applications.

Sources:

  • Chokshi, T.V., et al. "CO2 and compressive immobilization of C. elegans on-chip." Lab on a Chip (2009);9(1):151-157.