Michelle Khine, a professor at the University of California, Merced, has built microfluidic devices with Shrinky Dinks. She developed complicated 3D chips by stacking layers of polymer film. Shrinky Dinks, which shrink when exposed to oven heat, are ideal to make tiny breeding grounds for stem cells. There is even a how-to video that was made to show you how you to can do this at home. Talk about weird science!
Implications - Stem cells are interesting because with the right tools and patience, they can turn into practically any type of tissue. Before they turn into tissue, they have to grow into a cluster called an embryoid body. This is usually very difficult, but Khine and her team discovered that using Shrinky Dinks makes the process much easier.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Microfluidic Devices
- Using microfluidic devices made with Shrinky Dinks can revolutionize the field of stem cell research by providing a more accessible and efficient method for growing embryoid bodies.
- Polymer Film Stacking
- The technique of stacking layers of polymer film, such as Shrinky Dinks, opens up possibilities for creating intricate and customizable 3D chips for various applications in stem cell research and tissue engineering.
- Home Stem Cell Cultivation
- The development of DIY tutorials using Shrinky Dinks as a material for creating microfluidic devices at home allows individuals to explore and experiment with stem cell cultivation, potentially democratizing the field and fostering new innovations.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Stem Cell Research
- The utilization of Shrinky Dinks to simplify and enhance the growth of embryoid bodies presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of stem cell research, leading to advancements in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies.
- Tissue Engineering
- The application of polymer film stacking using Shrinky Dinks in tissue engineering offers disruptive innovation opportunities for the development of more precise and functional tissue constructs, accelerating progress in the field of regenerative medicine.
- DIY Science and Education
- The incorporation of Shrinky Dinks as a material for microfluidic devices in DIY stem cell cultivation fosters disruptive innovation opportunities in science education and promotes hands-on learning in the field of biotechnology.
