High throughput microfluidic cell array for cytotoxicity screening

A microfluidic array with micro cell sieves was designed to fabricate multiple cells array for high-throughput cell cytotoxicity screening. Micro channels in both directions (column and row) were individually addressable by using a set of elastomeric monolithic array valves, enabling parallel loading of various cell lines in one direction and introducing of different toxins in the other direction. Several micro cell sieves were designed in each chamber. Cell number and distribution in chambers can be conveniently controlled by the adjustment of cell sieve number, distribution and size. Fluid transport property and cell loading in chamber were simulated and verified experimentally. The capability of the microfluidic array was demonstrated for seeding multiple mammalian cell lines in chambers and observing the cell viabilities after cells exposed to different toxins with a fluorescence microscope.