FIG. 5.

Snapshots showing sequence of alginate gel formation taken from video of recorded experiments. First, a precise volume of cell seeded sodium alginate is dispensed at the target site as seen in (a)–(c). Then a calcium chloride drop is brought to the cell seeded sodium alginate drop and encircles it without merging (d)–(e). Actuation of the separator ring causes the two liquids to merge (f) in such a way that the sodium alginate drop is encapsulated by calcium chloride resulting in a circular gel shape. After sufficient time for gelation, calcium alginate hydrogels are formed and excess liquid is removed from the calcium hydrogel as shown in (g)–(i). Scale bar in (c) represents 0.25 mm. Reprinted with permission from S. M. George and H. Moon, in 28th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (IEEE, 2015), pp. 443–446. Copyright 2015 IEEE. (Multimedia view) [URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4918377.3] Download video file ^{(4.4MB, mpg)} DOI: 10.1063/1.4918377.3