Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microdevices for studying plant reproduction

Biochem Soc Trans. 2014 Apr;42(2):320-4. doi: 10.1042/BST20130258.

Abstract

Long-term holding and precise handling of growing plant tissues during in vitro cultivation has been a major hurdle for experimental studies related to plant development and reproduction. In the present review, we introduce two of our newly developed poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microdevices: a T-shaped microchannel device for pollen tube chemoattraction and a microcage array for long-term live imaging of ovules. Their design, usage and advantages are described, and future prospects of experimental approaches to plant reproduction using such microdevices are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biology / instrumentation*
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes*
  • Ovule / physiology
  • Pollen Tube / physiology
  • Reproduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • baysilon