Microfluidics as a tool for C. elegans research

stimulation, locomotion studies in well-defined structural surroundings, and even long-term culture on chip.Moreover, microfluidics has enabled coupling worm handling and imaging thus facilitating genetic screens, optogenetic studies, and laser ablation experiments.In this article, we review some of the applications of microfluidics for C. elegans research and provide guides for the design, fabrication, and use of microfluidic devices for C. elegans research studies. Applications and design considerations of worm-chipsMany different types of studies with C. elegans can be carried out in microfluidic devices.The design of each device is highly dependent on the objective of the experiment to be performed.Chips used for C. elegans studies can broadly be divided into those dealing with behavioral assays, high-resolution imaging, and on-chip culture, although no device falls into a single category.Most devices are PDMS chips with channels, chambers or pillars.The majority of these devices are bonded to a glass slide and are thus closed to the environment, as the example shown