Fast target-selective chemical & optical stimulation based on high-throughput multi-channel imaging device

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been widely used in genetic and neurobiological studies because of its simplicity, similarity with humans, and optical accessibility. However, its small size and mobility make it challenging for researchers to conduct experiments on these microorganisms. The development of microfluidic technology enables easy manipulation of C. elegans with spatial and temporal precision; however, most current ones remain cumbersome and complicated. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a multi-channel microdevice for rapid loading, trapping, stimulating and imaging worms. The device is easy to use based on passive regulation, simple to make even for non-experts, and increase the parallel experiment numbers.