Microfluidic system for in vitro epithelial folding and calcium waves induction.

Epithelial folding is a fundamental process where initially flat monolayers transform into functional 3D structures. This protocol details fabrication steps for a polycarbonate microfluidic platform which enables triggering epithelial folds that recapitulate stereotypical cell shape changes and folding-associated mechanical stresses. We describe the steps for cell seeding to form a monolayer on the chip, and subsequent approach to trigger calcium waves in the epithelial monolayer through local epithelial deformation.

Effective diffusivity of microswimmers in a crowded environment.

The microalga Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii is used here as a model system to study the effect of complex environments on the swimming of micro-organisms. Its motion can be modeled by a run and tumble mechanism so that it describes a persistent random walk from which we can extract an effective diffusion coefficient for the large-time dynamics. In our experiments, the complex medium consists of a series of pillars that are designed in a regular lattice using soft lithography microfabrication.