Invasive behavior is the hallmark of a variety of cell types of animal, plant and fungal origin. To move against or invade a matrix requires the ability to mechanically invade this substrate. In cells devoid of a rigid cell wall a cytoskeleton mediated mechanism generates pushing and traction forces whereas walled cells employ forces exerted by the cellular turgor pressure. One of the most rapid and highly targeted invasive activities is performed by the pollen tube, the delivery tool of the sperm cells in the flowering plants. The pollen tube must not only exert invasive forces but also perceive the geometry and mechanical consistency of the growth substrate and follow directional cues emitted by the pistil and the female gametophyte. We investigate the directional growth behavior and the ability to cope with mechanical obstacles using the TipChip, a microfluidic experimental platform.