Self-loading lithographically structured microcontainers: 3D patterned, mobile microwells

Abstract

We demonstrate mass-producible, mobile, self-loading microcontainers that can be used to encapsulate both non-living and living objects, thus forming three-dimensionally patterned, mobile microwells.

Fig.1. Self-loading of 500 μm microcontainers en masse

a) Video capture sequence of the microcontainers on a glass substrate being loaded with beads. As the cruciforms begin to lift-off the substrate and fold upwards, 250 μm glass beads were poured over the microcontainers. The containers close around the beads and encapsulate them. b) An optical image of a collection of porous microcontainers that self-assembled in a highly parallel manner.

Fig. 2. Microcontainers loaded with biological contents

a) An illustration featuring the procedure used to load cells within the microcontainers. Containers were assembled in the presence of LIVE/DEAD® stained cells and media; upon assembly, cells were encapsulated within the container. b-e) Progressively zoomed-in images of various 500 μm microcontainers loaded with L929 cells, focused within. f) Fluorescent zoom detail focused within a microcontainer containing live cells (green) seen through the 50 μm pores. g) A 500 μm microcontainer loaded with a Triops embryo, seen through the 250 μm pores. h) Video capture sequence showing a microcontainer self-loading a Triops embryo.

Fig. 3. Self-loading of microcontainers in a round bottom flask

a) An illustration depicting an untethered, self-loading microcontainer released in a tumbling flask filled with an aqueous suspension of glass beads. b) A 500 μm, self-loaded microcontainer overfilled with 150 μm glass beads. c) A 500 μm container self-loaded to capacity with 150 μm glass beads. d) Zoom detail of the region highlighted in c) featuring the glass beads.