Biomimetic microfluidic device in cell culture studies

This technology is a microfluidic cell culture device that replicates human organ functions by using multiple microchannels and membranes to simulate different tissue environments in cell culture studies. It enables advanced research in drug testing, disease modeling, and personalized medicine.

Background

Cell culture technology faces significant challenges in replicating the complex microenvironments of human organs. Traditional methods often struggle to mimic the intricate three-dimensional architecture and physiological functions at the cellular and molecular levels. Existing devices typically have limitations in culturing multiple cell types within a single system, which is crucial for studying interactions such as cell-cell, cell-microbe, and cell-extracellular matrix communications.

The short residence time of culture media in these systems further complicates the ability to sustain these interactions effectively. Additionally, current approaches often lack the capability to independently manipulate micro physiological conditions across different compartments, making it difficult to simulate the dynamic and varied environments found in vivo. These limitations hinder the development of more accurate and reliable models for research and therapeutic testing.

Technology description

This cell culture device is engineered to replicate the three-dimensional microarchitecture and physiological functions of human organs. It features multiple parallel microchannels separated by elastic, porous membranes coated with an extracellular matrix, creating distinct compartments that simulate a lumen, mesenchyme, and capillary vasculature. The microchannels are designed with a non-linear flow path using baffles to enhance fluid mixing and extend residence time. This device allows for the culture of various cell types, such as epithelial, endothelial, and immune cells, within these compartments.

Additionally, a pneumatic mechano-actuation system is incorporated to apply bidirectional mechanical forces, mimicking the dynamic mechanical environment of living tissues. This setup facilitates the study of complex cellular interactions and physiological responses in a controlled in vitro environment, offering potential advancements in drug testing, disease modeling, and personalized medicine.

This technology is differentiated by its ability to closely emulate the physical and physiological microenvironments of human organs, overcoming limitations of existing devices. The non-linear flow path and baffles enhance fluid dynamics, allowing for extended interaction times between cells and their environment. This is crucial for studying cell-cell, cell-microbe, and cell-extracellular matrix interactions.

The device’s ability to independently manipulate micro physiological conditions across different compartments allows for precise control over experimental variables. Moreover, the pneumatic mechano-actuation system provides realistic mechanical stimuli, which is essential for mimicking the dynamic conditions of living tissues. These features collectively enable a more accurate representation of organ-level functions, making it a significant tool for biomedical research and pharmaceutical applications.

Benefits

Simulates 3D microarchitecture and physiological functions of human organs
Pneumatic mechano-actuation system for simulating dynamic mechanical environment
Allows culture of various cell types, including epithelial, endothelial, and immune cells
Provides a multi-layered microenvironment to mimic organ-level physiological responses
Non-linear flow path with baffles for enhanced fluid mixing and extended residence time
Enables study of complex cellular interactions and physiological responses in vitro
Advances research in drug testing, disease modeling, and personalized medicine
Supports establishment of a robust host-microbe ecosystem
Offers potential applications in pharmaceutical, clinical, biomedical, and basic research