Micro-3D cell culture devices for single cell analysis

In this paper we present two novel devices for the culturing of single cells or small clusters of cells in an array format. The focus of these devices is to create local 3-dimensional microenvironments for the cells which mimic more closely the adhesion state in an in vivo situation. The devices were manufactured using fast processes and cost-effective materials like hot-embossing of polystyrene (PS) and replica moulding of PDMS. Special emphasis was also placed on tailoring the surface chemistry to either inhibit protein adsorption or exhibit specific functionalities by the use of self-assembling brush-like polymers (PLL-g-PEG and derivates) in specific areas. The devices were tested to culture epithelial cells (MDCK II) and specifically how they serve as new model surface for the investigation of the establishment of a polarized morphology. These novel platforms are believed to be useful in fundamental cell biological research and high-throughput drug discovery.