Parallel Production of Uniform Artificial Cell Aggregates Using Vibration-Induced Flow

In this study, we propose a facile and efficient method to construct artificial multicellular models using vibration-induced flow (VIF). Vibration-induced flow is a local fluid flow induced around vibrating microstructures. By applying circular vibration to a substrate with a cylindrical micropillar array, uniform micro-vortices were generated, into which giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) as artificial cells were rapidly concentrated at the center. We show that by modifying two GUV populations with complementary single-standard DNAs, specific adhesion of GUVs can be promoted to form uniform aggregates. Furthermore, the size of GUV aggregates can be controlled by the design of the pillar array. This technology will contribute to future research on fabricating artificial multicellular models with complex functions.