Nanoliter Hydrogel Array for Cell Screening and Cell Spheroid Sorting

Hydrogels are frequently used to produce realistic 3D models with applications in tissue engineering, disease modeling and high-throughput screenings. However, integrating 3D cultures into high-throughput screening workflows presents challenges, including automation compatibility and cost constraints.

Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches that enable miniaturization, automation, and cost reduction while maintaining experimental fidelity. The Droplet Microarray (DMA) platform, based on hydrophilic-superhydrophobic surface patterning, facilitates the formation of homogeneous nanoliter-hydrogel arrays containing cells or spheroids. This method allows rapid dispensing of hundreds of nanoliter-hydrogel droplets with precise control over volume and cell density, reducing reagent consumption and offering high-throughput applications.