Automated Microfluidic System for Lifespan and Healthspan Analysis in Nematodes

摘要

The present invention includes a system and method for analyzing animals including: a media reservoir and a media pump in fluid communication with the media reservoir; a food reservoir and a food pump in fluid communication with the food reservoir; an input port in fluid communication with the media pump and the food pump; a microfluidic device in fluid communication with the input port including: a micropillar arena or a plurality of micropillar chambers; an outlet port in fluid communication with the microfluidic device; a light source positioned outside the micropillar arena to illuminate the interior of the micropillar arena; an imager positioned outside the micropillar arena to image the interior of the micropillar arena; and a controller coupled to the media pump, the food pump, the microfluidic device, the light source, and the imager.