Patterning cells and their environments using multiple laminar fluid flowsin capillary networks

This paper describes the use of laminar flow of liquids in capillary system s to pattern the cell culture substrate, to perform patterned cell depositi on, and to pattern the cell culture media. We demonstrate the patterning of the cell culture substrate with different proteins, the patterning of diff erent types of cells adjacent to each other, the patterned delivery of chem icals to adhered cells, and performing enzymatic reactions over select cell s or over a portion of a cell. This method offers a way to simultaneously c ontrol the characteristics of the surface to which cells are attached, the type of cells that are in their vicinity, and the kind of media that cells or part of a cell are exposed to. The method is experimentally simple, high ly adaptable, and requires no special equipment except for an elastomeric r elief that can be readily prepared by rapid prototyping.