Automated microfluidic system for lifespan and healthspan analysis in nematodes

A system for analyzing animals comprising:

• 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 comprising:
• (1) a micropillar arena for containment of the animals, wherein the micropillar arena comprises a plurality of micropillars to permit the animals to crawl within it, the microfluidic device further comprises a first plurality of sieve channels between the input port and the micropillar arena, and a second plurality of sieve channels between the micropillar arena and the output port, wherein the first and second plurality of sieve channels configured to permit the passage of multicellular progeny and eggs, but not adult animals;
• and
• (2) a plurality of micropillar chambers, wherein each micropillar chamber is configured to permit a single animal to crawl within it;
• and
• a transparent outer surface for at least illumination or imaging;
• and an outlet port in fluid communication with the microfluidic device;
• a light source positioned outside the micropillar arena to illuminate an 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.