Immobilized extracellular matrix technique

Early attempts to functionalize biomaterial surfaces with biological molecules were focused on improving blood compatibility of cardiovascular devices, such as the artificial heart and synthetic blood vessels, by immobilizing heparin or albumin on polyurethane or Dacron . To enhance cell adhesion to biomaterial surfaces, entire extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as fibronectin and laminin, have been used directly as coatings. However, because of the nonspecific manner of whole protein adsorption, most of the cell binding capability is often lost. Using a molecular templating technique, it may be possible to select which protein(s) to absorb on biomaterial surfaces. ... 

The development of a cellular microenvironment in a microfluidic chip starts with device fabrication. The most commonly used material for fabrication is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). One of the most important components to develop such platforms is the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the 3D cellular microenvironment. Different approaches have been followed to pattern the ECM inside the microfluidic device, which will significantly affect the arrangement of cells on the chip. Following this, the target cells are seeded and cultured. Such cell culture techniques would be common for drug screening as well as the fundamental research. But for CTCs detection, usually the antibodies will be immobilized on the chip before introducing the cells. 

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