Reconstruction of cell distribution in 3D silicon microstructures by label-free optical detection

In this work, we report the results recently obtained with an innovative microsystem for human cell studies that combines the functionality of a highly ordered, silicon microstructure as 3D incubator with a label-free analytical approach. This system is suitable for monitoring distribution of cells, for example with a mesenchymal phenotype, that are able to stretch their bodies inside the narrow and deeply etched gaps of the 3D micromachined structure and to grow adherent to vertical surfaces. We demonstrate that the extension of the cell body inside the gaps can be recovered with a label-free optical detection method based on IR spectral reflectivity measurements performed with an all-fiberoptic configuration.