A microfluidic platform with integrated sensing pillars for protrusive force measurements on neurospora crassa

This paper reports the fabrication and application of a Lab-on-a-Chip platform containing single elastomeric micropillars in channel constrictions, which enable the measurement of protrusive forces exerted by individual fungal hyphae. We show the platform design, the fabrication process and photoresist optimization required to adapt the microfluidic platform to relatively thin hyphae. To demonstrate the applicability of the platform, the fungus Neurospora crassa was cultured on PDMS chip and the force exerted by individual hyphae measured via the deflection of the micropillars. The platform provides a new tool to help understand the molecular processes that underlie protrusive growth and this may present new ways to tackle the pathogenic growth of these organisms and thus combat the loss of diversity that they cause.