Abstract

Microfluidic Platforms for the Exploration of Living Organisms and their Interactions

Claire Stanley, Postdoctoral Research Associate, ETH Zurich

Interactions of Bacteria and Nematodes with Fungi Intricate interactions exist between fungi and other microorganisms, such as bacteria and nematodes, playing a central role in human infections and the control of plant disease. Studying the interplay of filamentous fungi with such microorganisms is technically challenging, since hyphae form dense interconnected networks. Microfluidic platforms have been developed that enable the antagonistic strategies existing between fungi, bacteria and nematodes to be characterised at the cellular level and in real time. Hyphae of the model basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea grow into medium-filled microchannels and the device is co-inoculated with the microorganism of interest. Morphological changes, interactions and bacteria distributions, for example, can then be observed and information regarding the regulation, spatial distribution and specificity of the fungal defense response can be attained. Integrated Cultivation, Perfusion, and Imaging of Plant Root Systems Plant roots are highly sensitive, responding to a variety of environmental stimuli. However, there exists a limited amount of information concerning the underlying molecular mechanisms that translate an environmental stimulus into a response. Recently, the “RootChip” was developed, allowing Arabidopsis thaliana plant roots to be cultured on-chip, stimulated and consequently monitored on a live imaging platform. To further extend the utility of this platform, we are now developing a system whereby combinations of stimuli, as well as microorganisms, can be applied to a root. Such a tool will enable an enhanced understanding of how roots interact with their environment, leading to novel approaches for improving crop yield.