Microfluidic device fabricated by three-dimensional lithography for observation of cancer cell invasion process

This paper describes a microfluidic device for observation of cancer cell invasion induced by chemotaxis. The developed device has two main channels, the channel filled with cell suspension and the channel filled with solution containing chemotactic factor. These channels are connected via tapered orifice structures to capture multiple cancer cells in it to form cell clusters. Observation of cell invasions affected by cell adhesions is possible with this device. The devices were fabricated by using three-dimensional lithography and PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) molding. Invasion cells leaving the cell clusters and moving to the channel containing chemotactic factors through the orifices were successfully observed on the device.