Wu Huei-Wen, Lin Xi-Zhang, Hwang Shiaw-Min, Lee Gwo-Bin
Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
Biomed Microdevices. 2009 Aug;11(4):869-81. doi: 10.1007/s10544-009-9304-x.
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to differentiate into multiple tissue lineages for cell therapy and, therefore, have attracted considerable interest recently. In this study, a new microfluidic system is presented which can culture and differentiate MSCs in situ. It is composed of several components, including stem cell culture areas, micropumps, microgates, seeding reservoirs, waste reservoirs and fluid microchannels; all fabricated by using micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) technology. The developed automated system allows for the long-term culture and differentiation of MSCs. Three methods, including Oil Red O staining for adipogenic cells, alkaline phosphatase staining and immunofluorescence staining are used to assess the differentiation of MSCs. Experimental results clearly demonstrate that the MSCs can be cultured for proliferation and different types of differentiation are possible in this microfluidic system, which can maintain a suitable and stable pH value over long time periods. This prototype microfluidic system has great potential as a powerful tool for future MSC studies.
人间充质干细胞（MSCs）具有分化为多种组织谱系用于细胞治疗的潜力，因此，近来已引起了相当大的关注。在本研究中，提出了一种新的微流控系统，该系统可以原位培养和分化MSCs。它由几个组件组成，包括干细胞培养区域、微泵、微门、接种储液器、废液储液器和流体微通道；所有这些都是通过微机电系统（MEMS）技术制造的。所开发的自动化系统允许对MSCs进行长期培养和分化。使用三种方法，包括对脂肪生成细胞进行油红O染色、碱性磷酸酶染色和免疫荧光染色，来评估MSCs的分化。实验结果清楚地表明，在该微流控系统中，MSCs可以进行增殖培养，并且可以进行不同类型的分化，该系统能够在长时间内保持合适且稳定的pH值。这种微流控系统原型作为未来MSCs研究的强大工具具有巨大潜力。
