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Multi-Stream Perfusion Bioreactor Integrated with Outlet Fractionation for Dynamic Cell Culture
Published on: July 20, 2022
Optimal periodic perfusion strategy for robust long-term microfluidic cell culture
Stefano Giulitti1, Enrico Magrofuoco, Lia Prevedello
1Department of Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Marzolo 9, I-35131, Padova, Italy. nicola.elvassore@unipd.it.
Lab on a Chip
|September 26, 2013
Summary
Periodic medium delivery in microfluidic cell culture ensures cell homogeneity and healthy morphology, outperforming continuous flow. This optimized perfusion strategy is crucial for reliable "on a chip" biological studies.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Long-term cell culture in microfluidic devices is vital for "on a chip" studies.
- Investigating medium delivery methods is key to optimizing these cultures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare continuous versus periodic medium perfusion in microfluidic cell culture.
- To determine the optimal strategy for homogeneous, long-term cell culture in microfluidic systems.
Main Methods:
- Computational simulations to model factor accumulation and washout.
- Experimental setup for controlled continuous and periodic medium delivery.
- Culturing murine (C2C12), human (HFF), and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) in microfluidic channels.
Main Results:
- Periodic perfusion with short pulses enhanced cell homogeneity and normal morphology compared to continuous flow.
- Continuous flow led to cell heterogeneity, abnormal morphology, and vesiculation.
- Periodic delivery (4 pulses/day) maintained mESC viability, colony morphology, and pluripotency markers.
Conclusions:
- Periodic medium delivery is superior for achieving homogeneous and robust long-term cell cultures in microfluidics.
- This finding is essential for advancing "on a chip" cell-based applications.
- The study provides insights into optimizing microfluidic cell microenvironments.
