Micropatterns
Control the 2D shape of your cells
Control the 2D shape of your cells
MICROPATTERN
Cells are cultured in a substrate patterned with adherent micrometer-sized domains of predefined geometric features. When cultured on this, cells adhere specifically to the patterned area, acquiring for example, the geometry of the pattern.
Cell culture supports receive a covalently bounded surface chemistry treatment with an oxidation resistance anti-adhesive polymer. Less sensitive to oxidation than a classical polymer with the same type of covalent bonding to the glass slide. After plated you can keep your cells in the patterns up to 2 weeks. Non used substrates can be stored up to 6 months.
> Different pattern shapes and dimensions (lines, squares, triangles, rectangles, grids, etc.)
> Customized shapes and dimensions
> Adaptable to any cell culture substrate (from Petri dishes to 384 well plates) – from single cell to high throughput and high content screening analysis
> Compatible with high-resolution optical microscopy systems
DYNAMIC MICROPATTERN
Dynamic Explorer combines 4Dcell’s micropatterning technology and click chemistry to induce cell migration of cells from pre-defined geometries.
Cells are seeded on a micropatterned substrate and specifically adhere to cell-adhesive regions with very high resolution. The regions around the cells are non adhesive at first but can be ‘switched on’ at any time to release the cells from their patterns.
As with standard micropatterning, it is possible to pattern the cells into customized shapes and dimensions.
> Anti-adhesive polymer
Covalent and electrostatic bonding to the glass slide, stable for up to 3 months
The polymer can be rendered adhesive by a click chemistry reaction
MICROPATTERN TECHNOLOGY
Cell shape control and standardization, characterization of organelle positioning, cell maturation and differentiation, restriction of the migration area, cellular reprogramming, protein micropatterning, etc.
HeLa cells in lines of 100 to 10 µm width
Fluorescently labeled fibrinogen – Alexa Fluor 488
Explore examples of application
> Liver canliculi assay: improved hepatocytes differentiation model
> Neural network in a well: Control of neuronal connectivity
> Attached Spheroid assay: Improved manipulation and observation of spheroids
> 2D Cardiomyocyte maturation assay: Functional IPSc induced cardiomycyte fibers
> Cardiomyocyte maturation assay: Functional IPSc induced cardiomycyte fibers
> Cell migration assay: Analysis of the mechanisms occuring during the migration
> Cell polarization: Standardization of the shape and organization of the cell
> Coculture assay: Analysis of the cell-cell contact by click chemistry technology
> Frustrated phagocytosis: Characterization of the mechanism
> Lamellipodia and filopodia assay: Analyzing events occuring during membrane protrusion
> Live cell imaging: Observing cells by time-lapse microscopy
> Macrophage polarization assay: Modulation of macrophage phenotype by cell shape
> Microtuble-dependant trafficking assay: Cell confinement for cytoskeletal organization
> Organelles positioning assay: Precise statistics on organelle positioning in the cell
> Primary cilium assay: Cell shape control for ciliogenesis regulation
> Skeletal muscle cells assay: Alignment, organization and shape standardization
DYNAMIC MICROPATTERN TECHNOLOGY
In a typical experiment using the dynamic micropatterns, cell migration can be monitored in real-time using a live imaging tool or by acquiring images at different timepoints. The images are then processed and analyzed to determine the area of the substrate occupied by cells as a function of time.
Read more
Yes, it is possible. You can order a customized photomask with the features you want. Either you already have the design of the customized photomask and you can directly send it to us (in GDS, DXF, EPS or PDF format) or you can precisely describe what you want and we will take care of the customisation.
Yes, the patterns are organized in such way that you can get all the micropatterns sizes no matter the size of your slides.
To make micropatterns, 4Dcell provides a micropatterning station with the equipment needed. Basic laboratory materials, such as tweezers or micropipettes, are then mandatory to perform the experiment. Working in a clean environment is necessary to have good results.
The stability of the micropatterns in presence of cells depends on the cell type. Typically, standard PEG treatment used in the 4Dcell micropatterns fabrication kit lasts about 24h. 4Dcell precoated slides and pre-patterned slides use improved anti-adhesive polymer treatments which are more stable (several days of culture). The most stable treatment allows up to weeks of culture in certain conditions. Before usage and stored at room temperature, precoated or prepatterned consumables are stable for months.
The quality of the micropatterns depends on the precautions taken during the experiment. We also provide already coated slides ready to be printed with micropatterns. The coating is of very high quality and you can choose from 3 different molecules.You can have a look at the webpage of the pre-coated slides.
Yes, it is possible to use a matrix other than fibronectin. We can adjust the content of the kit for you. Contact us so that we can find a solution which fits your needs.
In proper conditions, the photomask can be used many times. The most important is to handle it gently during the experiment and to avoid scratching it.
The solutions used at 4Dcell are all sterile so if you manipulate in sterile conditions, the slides will remain sterile too.
Yes, you can micropattern other biological objects but you have to adapt the matrix for this specific object (bacteria, for instance).
The micropatterned dishes are of standard size (35mm diameter, 11mm height), with a glass bottom (between 0.13mm and 0.17mm thickness), adapted to most high magnification objectives of confocal and fluorescence inverted microscopes.We also offer pre-coated and micropatterned slides which you can adapt to your imaging system.
In order for you to first try the 4Dcell products, we provide affordable starter packs (with either 20 or 50 articles). Therefore, you can have a first impression and confirm your experimental needs before ordering the appropriate products.
When you have decided which products you want to order, you can send us an order form. We will send you an invoice so that you can pay by bank transfer or with a Paypal account.If you have a special request concerning the payment method, contact us and we will find an appropriate solution.
We send the products in a delay of one month from the day we receive the order form.
All 4Dcell products can be sent worldwide. 4Dcell works with a Chinese distributor for the Asian market.