NemaLife chip: a micropillar-based microfluidic culture device optimized for aging studies in crawling C. elegans.

ABSTRACT: In this study, we report a microfluidic device for the whole-life culture of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that allows the scoring of animal survival and health measures. This device referred to as the NemaLife chip features: (1) an optimized micropillar arena in which animals can crawl, (2) sieve channels that separate progeny and prevent the loss of adults from the arena during culture maintenance, and (3) ports that allow rapid accessibility for feeding the adult-only population and introducing reagents as needed. The pillar arena geometry was optimized to accommodate the growing body size during culture and emulate the body gait and locomotion of animals reared on agar. Likewise, feeding protocols were optimized to recapitulate longevity outcomes typical of standard plate growth.

SUBMITTER: Rahman M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7530743 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature