Insight
Nature 442, 403-411 (27 July 2006) | doi:10.1038/nature05063; Published online 26 July 2006
Cells on chips
Jamil El-Ali1, Peter K. Sorger2 and Klavs F. Jensen1
Abstract
Microsystems create new opportunities for the spatial and temporal control of cell growth and stimuli by combining surfaces that mimic complex biochemistries and geometries of the extracellular matrix with microfluidic channels that regulate transport of fluids and soluble factors. Further integration with bioanalytic microsystems results in multifunctional platforms for basic biological insights into cells and tissues, as well as for cell-based sensors with biochemical, biomedical and environmental functions. Highly integrated microdevices show great promise for basic biomedical and pharmaceutical research, and robust and portable point-of-care devices could be used in clinical settings, in both the developed and the developing world.
