A microfluidic cell-trapping device to study dynamic host-microbe interactions at the single-cell level

Methods in Cell Biology
Chiara TonioloJohn D McKinney

Abstract

Single-cell imaging of host-microbe interactions over time is impeded by cellular motility because the cells under scrutiny tend to migrate out of the imaging field. To overcome this technical challenge, we developed a microfluidic platform for imaging hundreds of individual motile phagocytic cells and bacteria within microfluidic traps that restrict their movement. The interaction of trapped host cells and bacteria is monitored by long-term time-lapse microscopy, allowing direct visualization of all stages of infection at the single-cell level. The medium flowing through the microfluidic device can be changed quickly and precisely, permitting the real-time imaging of cellular responses to antibiotics or other environmental stresses. Here, we demonstrate the potential applications of this approach by co-culturing the phagocytic amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum with the intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium marinum. However, the platform can be adapted easily for use with other host cells or microorganisms. This approach will provide new insights into host-pathogen interactions that cannot be studied using conventional population-based assays.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antifungals (ASM)

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Antifungals

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Related Papers

Methods in Molecular Biology
Molly A MattyDavid M Tobin
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
J Kirk, G W Kaminski
Anales de medicina interna : organo oficial de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna
A NodarC Martínez
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved