Microfluidic device for culturing cyanobacteria under the suppression of their division

Organic compounds produced by the photosynthesis of cyanobacteria are mostly consumed for the cyanobacterial division. We proposed a hypothesis that some cyanobacteria might increase the released organic compounds from the cyanobacteria when their divisions are suppressed. We previously developed a microfluidic device for culturing cyanobacteria under the suppression of their divisions, though it could not fully suppress the divisions of cyanobacteria. In order to solve this problem, the micro-pillars and the bottom of the channel were designed to be brought into contact, and the the chamber, where the divisions of cyanobacteria are suppressed, was isolated. The cyanobacteria in the chamber were well stored by micro-pillars both at the center and edge area for 24 hours.