Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans constitutes a valuable NAMs model for multiple applications, including predictive toxicology. This microscopic worm gained popularity for its ideal short size and life cycle, ease of cultivation and propagation, and powerful genetic toolkit. While C. elegans has the potential to complement in vitro models to better predict toxic outcomes in mammals, the current experimentation methods lack automation and standardization, limiting their wider use in screenings.
In response, we developed a microfluidic-based robotic platform that automates the entire process of C. elegans culture, treatment, high-content imaging, and phenotypic analysis. The platform is able to execute multiple toxicity assays, including the possibility of using the existing ample collection of reporter strains thanks to the fluorescent imaging capability.
As an illustration, we evaluated the reproductive and developmental effects of twenty benchmark chemicals on C. elegans using the proposed platform. Overall, we propose an innovative solution for rapid identification of toxic compounds and their mechanism of toxicity, bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo assays. Our technology allows not only endpoint measurements’ collection, but also the monitoring of biological responses’ dynamics.