We have developed a novel droplet microfluidic platform for the culture and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Such encapsulation of pluripotent cells in droplets provides a unique microenvironment that regulates cell fate decision and lineage specification. We have demostrated the feasibility of generating embryoid bodies (EBs) in 3D structures inside the droplets. Our preeliminary data using flow cytometry suggests that mESCs differentiate into the 3 germs layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm) in a different manner than in conventional multiwell plate, in which the culture volume is larger.
In this project, we would like to assess the phenotypic differences between mESCs between EBs generated in the droplets vs EBs generated in the multiwell plates and potentially elucidate the molecular mechanism driving this fate bias. This project is important because it will allow how confinement is regulating early embryogenesis.
