Device and method for analysing and controlling cell motility

A microfluidic device for analyzing and controlling the motility of a cell, the device comprising:

• a first inlet for introducing a cell sample;
• a second inlet for introducing a chemoattractant, the first and second inlets converge at a junction to generate a chemotactic gradient perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the cell sample;
• an outlet for discharging the cell sample;
• a microfluidic channel in fluid communication with and intermediate the junction and outlet;
• a first pump coupled to the first inlet for pumping the cell sample in the microfluidic channel, the first pump is adapted to generate a shear stress between 0 Pa to less than or equal to 1 Pa in an observation area;
• a second pump coupled to the second inlet for generating the chemotactic gradient;
• a solution for introducing the cell sample, the solution comprising Ca2+ with a concentration of 0.5 mM to 3 mM;
• and
• wherein the observation area is within a portion of the microfluidic channel for analyzing and controlling the motility of the cell in response to the chemotactical and shearotactical signals generated by the chemotactic gradient and shear stress.