3D flexible electrodes in microfluidic devices for cell culture stimulations

This work describes a convenient, fast and low cost method of embedding a high-conductive and flexible material within microfluidic devices as a means to realize uniform electric fields within 3D cellular microenvironments. Fluidic channels and electrodes are fabricated by traditional soft-lithography in conjunction with chemical etching of PDMS. Devices can be deformable (thus allowing for a combination of electro-mechanical stimulation), they are made from inexpensive materials and easily assembled by hand; this method is thus accessible to a wide range of laboratories and budgets.