Microfluidics-based devices play an important role in creating realistic microenvironments in which cell cultures can thrive. They can, for example, be used to monitor drug toxicity and perform medical diagnostics, and be in a static-, perfusion- or droplet-based device. They can also be used to study cell-cell, cell-matrix or cell-surface interactions. Cells can be either single cells, 3D cell cultures or co-cultures. Other organisms could include bacteria, zebra fish embryo, C. elegans, to name a few.

Microfluidics-based devices play an important role in creating realistic microenvironments in which cell cultures can thrive. They can, for example, be used to monitor drug toxicity and perform medical diagnostics, and be in a static-, perfusion- or droplet-based device. They can also be used to study cell-cell, cell-matrix or cell-surface interactions. Cells can be either single cells, 3D cell cultures or co-cultures. Other organisms could include bacteria, zebra fish embryo, C. elegans, to name a few.

Microfluidics in Cell Biology Part C, Volume 148, a new release in the Methods in Cell Biology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Unique to this updated volume are three sections on microfluidics in various multi-cellular models, including microfluidics in cell monolayers/spheroids, microfluidics in organ on chips, and microfluidics in model organisms. Specific chapters discuss collective migration in microtubes, leukocyte adhesion dynamics on endothelial monolayers under flow, constrained spheroid for perfusion culture, cells in droplet arrays, heart on chips, kidney on chips, liver on chips, and more. - Contains contributions from experts in the field from across the world - Covers a wide array of topics on both mitosis and meiosis - Includes relevant, analysis based topics

Microfluidics in Cell Biology Part B: Microfluidics in Single Cells, Volume 147, a new volume in the Methods in Cell Biology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Unique to this updated volume are three sections on microfluidics in various single cell models, including microfludics in micro-organisms, microfluidics for cell culture and cell sorting of mammalian cells, and microfluidics for cell migration. Specific sections in this latest release include Temperature control and drug delivery for cell division cycle control in fission yeast H2O2 stress response in budding yeast, Antibiotic resistance in bacteria, Metabolism in bacteria, Fluidized beds for bacterial sorting and amplification, Microfluidics for cell culture and cell sorting of mammalian cells, Hydrogel microwells, Immune cells migration in complex environments, Neutrophiles migration in health and disease, Cell guidance by physical cues, Stable gradients in gels of extracellular matrix for cancer cell migration, and more. Contains contributions from experts in the field from across the world Covers a wide array of topics on both mitosis and meiosis Includes relevant, analysis based topics

Microfluidics in Cell Biology Part A: Volume 146, the latest release in the Methods in Cell Biology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Unique to this updated volume are sections on Cell monolayers/spheroids, Collective migration in microtubes, Leukocyte adhesion dynamics on endothelial monolayers under flow, Constrained spheroid for perfusion culture, Cells in droplet arrays, Heart on chips, Kidney on chips, Liver on chips and hepatic immune responses, Gut on chips, 3D microvascular model-based lymphoma model, Blood brain barrier on chips, Multi-organ-on-a-chip for pharmacokinetic analysis, Cancer immunotherapy on chips, and more. - Contains contributions from experts in the field from across the globe - Covers a wide array of topics on both mitosis and meiosis - Includes relevant, analysis based topics

This book covers the state-of-the-art research on molecular biology assays and molecular techniques enabled or enhanced by microfluidic platforms. Topics covered include microfluidic methods for cellular separations and single cell studies, droplet-based approaches to study protein expression and forensics, and microfluidic in situ hybridization for RNA analysis. Key molecular biology studies using model organisms are reviewed in detail. This is an ideal book for students and researchers in the microfluidics and molecular biology fields as well as engineers working in the biotechnology industry. This book also: Reviews exhaustively the latest techniques for single-cell genetic, epigenetic, metabolomic, and proteomic analysis Illustrates microfluidic approaches for inverse metabolic engineering, as well as analysis of circulating exosomes Broadens readers’ understanding of microfluidics convection-based PCR technology, microfluidic RNA-seq, and microfluidics for robust mobile diagnostics

Recent advances in microsystems technology and cell culture techniques have led to the development of organ-on-chip microdevices that produce tissue-level functionality, not possible with conventional culture models, by recapitulating natural tissue architecture and microenvironmental cues within microfluidic devices. Since the physiological microenvironments in living systems are mostly microfluidic in nature, the use of microfluidic devices facilitates engineering cellular microenvironments; the microfluidic devices allow for control of local chemical gradients and dynamic mechanical forces, which play important roles in cellular viability and function. The organ-on-chip microdevices have great potential to promote drug discovery and development, to model human physiology and disease, and to replace animal models for efficacy and toxicity testing. Recently, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been leveraged to develop organs-on-chips, which enable various types of organ models and disease models not possible with primary cells and cell lines. This Special Issue seeks to showcase research papers, short communications, and review articles that focus on: (1) microdevices to mimic or control cellular microenvironment; (2) microdevices to evaluate interactions between different organ models; (3) microdevices to maintain iPS cells or iPSC-derived cells; and (4) sensors and techniques to evaluate drug efficacy or toxicity.

Techniques for microfabricating intricate microfluidic structures that mimic the microenvironment of tissues and organs, combined with the development of biomaterials with carefully engineered surface properties, have enabled new paradigms in and cell culture-based models for human diseases. The dimensions of surface features and fluidic channels made accessible by these techniques are well-suited to the size scale of biological cells. Microfluidic Cell Culture Systems applies design and experimental techniques used in in microfluidics, and cell culture technologies to organ-on-chip systems. This book is intended to serve as a professional reference, providing a practical guide to design and fabrication of microfluidic systems and biomaterials for use in cell culture systems and human organ models. The book covers topics ranging from academic first principles of microfluidic design, to clinical translation strategies for cell culture protocols. The goal is to help professionals coming from an engineering background to adapt their expertise for use in cell culture and organ models applications, and likewise to help biologists to design and employ microfluidic technologies in their cell culture systems. This 2nd edition contains new material that strengthens the focus on in vitro models useful for drug discovery and development. One new chapter reviews liver organ models from an industry perspective, while others cover new technologies for scaling these models and for multi-organ systems. Other new chapters highlight the development of organ models and systems for specific applications in disease modeling and drug safety. Previous chapters have been revised to reflect the latest advances. - Provides design and operation methodology for microfluidic and microfabricated materials and devices for organ-on-chip disease and safety models. This is a rapidly expanding field that will continue to grow along with advances in cell biology and microfluidics technologies. - Comprehensively covers strategies and techniques ranging from academic first principles to industrial scale-up approaches. Readers will gain insight into cell-material interactions, microfluidic flow, and design principles. - Offers three fundamental types of information: 1) design principles, 2) operation techniques, and 3) background information/perspectives. The book is carefully designed to strike a balance between these three areas, so it will be of use to a broad range of readers with different technical interests and educational levels.

The fields of microfluidics and BioMEMS are significantly impacting cell biology research and applications through the application of engineering solutions to human disease and health problems. The dimensions of microfluidic channels are well suited to the physical scale of biological cells, and the many advantages of microfluidics make it an attractive platform for new techniques in biology. This new professional reference applies the techniques of microsystems to cell culture applications. The authors provide a thoroughly practical guide to the principles of microfluidic device design and operation and their application to cell culture techniques. The resulting book is crammed with strategies and techniques that can be immediately deployed in the lab. Equally, the insights into cell culture applications will provide those involved in traditional microfluidics and BioMEMS with an understanding of the specific demands and opportunities presented by biological applications. The goal is to guide new and interested researchers and technology developers to the important areas and state-of-the-practice strategies that will enhance the efficiency and value of their technologies, devices and biomedical products.