In this thesis, I present a microfluidic platform that enables automated image-based assessment of biological structure and function. My work focuses on assessing intact resistance arteries from the mouse cerebral vascular bed with a diameter of approximately 120µm in vitro. The experimental platform consists of a microfluidic device and a world-to-chip fluidic interconnect that minimizes unwanted dead volumes and eliminates the need for any liquid-filled peripheral equipment. The integrated platform is computer controlled and capable of fully automated operation once a small blood vessel segment is loaded onto the chip. Robust operation of the platform was demonstrated through a series of case studies that assessed small artery function and changes therein induced by incubation with the drug nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. In addition artery segments were stained for L-type calcium channels, F-actin and nuclei, from which structural information about cell alignment and shape was quantified.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OTU.1807/32504 |
Date | 24 July 2012 |
Creators | Yasotharan, Sanjesh |
Contributors | Guenther, Axel |
Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
Language | en_ca |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Thesis |
Page generated in 0.0021 seconds