Protocol for the fabrication of enzymatically crosslinked gelatin microchannels for microfluidic cell culture

Abstract

We have developed a technique for fabricating microfluidic devices from gelatin using a natural cross linking process. By producing reusable poly (dimethyl siloxane) molds using standard photolithography, gelatin can be molded into micro channel geometries. The gelatin is cross linked with the naturally occurring enzyme transglutaminase via a straightforward process that can produce devices suitable for cell culture. The protocol takes approximately 1 day from the start of gelatin preparation to cell seeding. Using these devices, the effects of both the extracellular matrix and soluble factors on cellular behavior and differentiation can be studied in microenvironments that more closely mimic the in vivo environment. © 2007 Nature Publishing Group.