PDMS micropillars for C. elegans force measurement

Abstract

This paper reports on the fabrication of PDMS micropillars as force sensor for C. elegans locomotion measurement. Three different designs have been fabricated; starting from a channel like design with two parallel rows, to increasing the number of micropillar rows in Design 2, and finally a 9 × 9 mm square chamber with multiple arrays of PDMS pillars arranged in a lattice and honeycomb structure. Results of worm locomotion forces show that different parts of the worm's body exert forces on five individual pillars that were in contact with the worm throughout its movement. The fabrication process of the PDMS device is also explained in detail, along with the device casting procedures. The final section discusses the challenges and limitations tackled in this research, in particular during the fabrication process.