Silicone Chambers for Pollen Tube Imaging in Microstructured In Vitro Environments.

Live cell imaging at high resolution of pollen tubes growing in vitro requires an experimental setup that maintains the elongated cells in a single optical plane and allows for controlled exchange of growth medium. As a low-cost alternative to lithography-based microfluidics, we developed a silicone-based spacer system that allows introducing spatial features and flexible design. These growth chambers can be cleaned and reused repeatedly.