Label-free reconstruction of cell extension grown in a 3D environment

In this work, we report the results recently obtained with an innovative microsystem for human cell analyses that combines the functionality of a highly ordered, silicon microstructure as 3D incubator with a label-free analytical approach. This system is suitable for monitoring the distribution of cells, for example with a mesenchymal phenotype, that are able to stretch their bodies inside the narrow and deeply etched gaps of the 3D micromachined structure and to grow adherent to vertical surfaces. We demonstrate that the extension of the cell body inside the gaps can be monitored with a label-free optical detection method based on IR spectral reflectivity measurements performed with an all-fiberoptic configuration.