Millet, L. J., et al. 2019. Fungal Biology and Biotechnology

Increasing access to microfluidics for studying fungi and other branched biological structures

Larry J. Millet, Jayde Aufrecht, Jessy Labbé, Jessie Uehling, Rytas Vilgalys, Myka L. Estes, Cora Miquel Guennoc, Aurélie Deveau, Stefan Olsson, Gregory Bonito, Mitchel J. Doktycz, and Scott T. Retterer. 

10 June 2019, Fungal Biology and Biotechnology 6(1): 1; doi: 10.1186/s40694-019-0071-z

Abstract

Microfluidic systems are well-suited for studying mixed biological communities for improving industrial processes of fermentation, biofuel production, and pharmaceutical production. The results of which have the potential to resolve the underlying mechanisms of growth and transport in these complex branched living systems. Microfluidics provide controlled environments and improved optical access for real-time and high-resolution imaging studies that allow high-content and quantitative analyses. Studying growing branched structures and the dynamics of cellular interactions with both biotic and abiotic cues provides context for molecule production and genetic manipulations. To make progress in this arena, technical and logistical barriers must be overcome to more effectively deploy microfluidics in biological disciplines. A principle technical barrier is the process of assembling, sterilizing, and hydrating the microfluidic system; the lack of the necessary equipment for the preparatory process is a contributing factor to this barrier. To improve access to microfluidic systems, we present the development, characterization, and implementation of a microfluidics assembly and packaging process that builds on self-priming point-of-care principles to achieve “ready-to-use microfluidics.”

Citation

Millet, L. J., J. Aufrecht, J. Labbé, J. Uehling, R. Vilgalys, M. L. Estes, C. Miquel Guennoc, A. Deveau, S. Olsson, G. Bonito, M. J. Doktycz and S. T. Retterer (2019). “Increasing access to microfluidics for studying fungi and other branched biological structures.” Fungal Biology and Biotechnology 6(1): 1.

Outside Links

https://fungalbiolbiotech.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40694-019-0071-z