A microfluidic array for large-scale ordering and orientation of embryos

Kwanghun Chung, Yoosik Kim, Jitendra S. Kanodia, Emily Gong, Stanislav Y. Shvartsman, Hang Lu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

131 Scopus citations

Abstract

Quantitative studies of embryogenesis require the ability to monitor pattern formation and morphogenesis in large numbers of embryos, at multiple time points and in diverse genetic backgrounds. We describe a simple approach that greatly facilitates these tasks for Drosophila melanogaster embryos, one of the most advanced models of developmental genetics. Based on passive hydrodynamics, we developed a microfluidic embryo-trap array that can be used to rapidly order and vertically orient hundreds of embryos. We describe the physical principles of the design and used this platform to quantitatively analyze multiple morphogen gradients in the dorsoventral patterning system. Our approach can also be used for live imaging and, with slight modifications, could be adapted for studies of pattern formation and morphogenesis in other model organisms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)171-176
Number of pages6
JournalNature Methods
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Cell Biology

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