Automated cell manipulation through 3D bio-scaffold via dielectrophoresis

In this paper, we proposed a scaffold which could be used for cell manipulation via dielectrophoresis (DEP). The base of the scaffold was fabricated with a biodegradable polymer, polylactic acid (PLA) by a 3D printer. The fabricated structure was then coated with a thin layer of conductive material, in order to be served as electrodes for DEP manipulation. The designed structure was determined after the electric field simulation by the finite element analysis software COMSOL. MC3T3 cells were seeded onto the PLA and gold coated PLA (G-PLA), in order to investigate the influence of the conductive layer on the attaching and culturing of cells. The fabricated structure was then served as the electrodes for patterning cells via DEP mechanism. Cellular patterns were formed along the side and the corner of the scaffold. The patterned cells were further cultured for a week and could cover the surface of the scaffold. As the experiment results shows, this new scaffold could be used for 3D cell seeding and patterning for the development of bone tissue engineering.