Development of microfluidic contact printing using membrane microchannel technology for cell patterning

A novel micro patterning process named "microfluidic contact printing (μFCP)" has been developed by using our unique membrane microchannel technology. Whereas the conventional microchannel is fabricated in a flat thick substrate, the membrane microchannel is composed of convex shaped thin membrane walls. μFCP process is carried out by contacting the surface of the stamp composed of membrane microchannels with penetrating micropores onto the target substrate. Since the liquids are continuously supplied from the microchannels, patterning can be repeated continuously without ink refilling steps. Viscous collagen solution was successfully patterned on a cell culture substrate by using μFCP, and PC12 cell culture on the pattern was verified. μFCP should become a key technology for high-speed and multiple patterning of viscous biomaterials that are difficult to be patterned with conventional processes.