Millipore Sigma Vibrant Logo
 
Recherche en sciences de la vie
 

Boyden Chamber Technique

 Request Information

Boyden chamber technique protocol.
Cell migration may be evaluated through several different methods including scratch assays, cell-exclusion zone assays, microfluidic based assays, and Boyden Chamber assays. The most widely accepted cell migration technique is the Boyden Chamber assay. The classic Boyden Chamber system uses a hollow plastic chamber, sealed at one end with a porous membrane. This chamber is suspended over a larger well which may contain medium and/or chemoattractants. Cells are placed inside the Chamber and allowed to migrate through the pores, to the other side of the membrane. Migratory cells are then stained and counted.

Cell invasion into a pore.
In a standard Boyden assay, the pore diameter of the membrane is typically 3 to 12 μm, and is selected to suit the subject cells. Smaller pore size results in a greater challenge for the migrating cell. Most cells range in size from 30-50 μm and can migrate efficiently through 3-12 μm pores, whereas, lymphocytes (10 μm) can migrate through pores as small as 0.3 μm.

Pore Size Matters!
How to select the appropriate pore size for your cells:
  • 3 μm pore size is appropriate for leukocyte or lymphocyte migration.
  • 5 µm pore size is appropriate for a subset of fibroblast cells or cancer cells such as NIH-3T3 and MDA-MAB 231 cells. Also suitable for monocytes and macrophages.
  • 8 μm pore size is appropriate for most cell types. This pore size supports optimal migration for most epithelial and fibroblast cells. Note - the 8 μm pore size is not appropriate for lymphocyte migration experiments.
Click here to match your cell type to its suitable assay pore size.