Abstract

Microfluidic Models for Studies of Single Cell and Tissue Mechanics in 3D

Mingming Wu, Adjunct Associate Professor, Cornell University

Microfluidics together with the advancement of the field of biomaterials present an unprecedented opportunity to recreate physiologically realistic 3D environment for mechanistic understanding of human cell and tissue mechanics. In this presentation, I will discuss about efforts from my lab in developing microfluidic models for recreating tumor microenvironment, with an emphasis on elucidating how physical forces regulate tumor cell/tissue mechanics and invasion in a 3D environment.  Our work highlights enabling capabilities of microfluidic platform for providing well defined physical and chemical environment for cells, advancing   frontiers of in vitro human tissue models. I will also briefly talk about our recent work on a nano-scribed 3D microswimmer, its ability to be steered remotely by ultrasound waves, and  potential use in targeted drug delivery.