High functionality cell culture platform permitting real time monitoring of cell functions induced by local drug delivery

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BioMEMS (Bio-Microelectromechanical Systems) and microfluidic systems present unique characteristics that render them very attractive for the study of cell functions and of the impact of drugs at the level of single cells. In particular, they make it possible to alter cell culture conditions locally, by drug delivery, surface modification or mechanical stress, for example. The unifying thread in this research program will be the design, characterization and development of new cell-culture platforms for the detection of cell responses to controlled culture conditions. Its originality primarily lies in the integration on a single platform of microfluidics components and of arrays of electrochemical microsensors. In particular, arrays of ion-selective microelectrodes for real-time intra- or extracellular detection of cell responses will be combined with different types of drug delivery systems. These platforms have the potential to satisfy a broad range of applications varying from diagnostic, tissue-engineered products, to cell-based drug screening tools to basic molecular biology tools. This program, combining micro- and nanofabrication, microfluidics, and array of electrochemical microsensors will provide unique multidisciplinary experience to BScA, MScA, PhD students, as well as post-doctoral trainees. This training will be of great interest and relevance for Canadian "high-tech" and "biotech" industries, and for academics involved in the areas of biotechnology, micro-/nanotechnology and life sciences.