MEMS-based fabrication and microfluidic analysis of three-dimensional perfusion systems

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics and Cell Culture Technology

Background:

• Maintaining high-density 3D cell cultures in vitro remains challenging.
• Existing methods often struggle with uniform nutrient and reagent distribution.
• Advanced perfusion systems are needed to improve cell viability and experimental control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize novel 3D microperfusion systems for enhanced in vitro 3D culture viability.
• To develop a system capable of controlled interstitial delivery of nutrients and reagents.
• To enable the creation of spatial concentration gradients within 3D cultures.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of high-aspect ratio SU-8 towers with laser-ablated side-ports.
• Design and implementation of microfluidic perfusion for controlled agent delivery.
• Validation of 3D flow dynamics using micro particle image velocimetry (μPIV).

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of 3D scaffolds with integrated injection sites.
• Demonstrated ability to control agent delivery through precise fluidic port sizing.
• Experimental validation of induced 3D flow patterns around towers.
• Observed flow rates from ports align with analytical predictions.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D microperfusion systems effectively support high-density 3D cultures.
• The system allows for precise control over nutrient and reagent distribution, including spatial gradients.
• This technology holds promise for advancing in vitro cell culture models and drug screening.