Shubham Sahu

Seminar Room 0.125, MPZPM, Kussmaulallee 2, 91054 Erlangen

Abstract:
In vivo, the cellular microenvironment plays a crucial role in regulating cell behavior, including differentiation, proliferation, and migration. One of the challenges confronting cell biologists is to mimic this microenvironment in vitro in order to more efficiently study living cells and model diseases.

To better mimic this complex milieu in vitro for enhanced cell studies, we present the PRIMO device developed by ALVÉOLE. This contactless and maskless UV projection system, based on LIMAP technology, enables precise control over both the biochemical and mechanical properties of in vitro environments.

We will first show that PRIMO is a suitable tool to print biomolecules on many substrates including glass, plastic, soft/stiff substrates, textured surfaces, and EM grids (micropatterning). Then, we will present how the projected UV light can be used to structure photosensitive resists (such as SU-8) and create molds onto which elastomeric solutions can be polymerized (microfabrication). Finally, we will show how PRIMO enables the efficient production of hydrogel structures with precise dimensions and shapes, tailoring complex 3D cell culture templates (structuration and decoration of hydrogels).