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AC Electrothermal Circulatory Pumping Chip for Cell Culture
Qi Lang, Yanshuang Wu1, Yukun Ren
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University , Xuefu Road 194, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P. R. China 150081.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 13, 2015
Summary
A novel AC electrothermal (ACET) fluidic chip enables effective cell culture in "human-on-a-chip" systems. This microfluidic device prevents cell damage, promoting healthy growth for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- "Human-on-a-chip" systems face challenges with fluid-to-tissue ratios.
- Joule heating and electric currents can harm cells in microfluidic cultures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel AC electrothermal (ACET) fluidic circulatory pumping chip.
- To overcome fluid-to-tissue ratio limitations in "human-on-a-chip" systems.
- To ensure cell viability by minimizing thermal and electrical damage.
Main Methods:
- Designed a rectangular microchannel with separated pumping and culture regions.
- Utilized 30 pairs of asymmetrical electrodes for ACET pumping.
- Measured temperature variations with a thermocouple and ACET velocity via fluorescent microparticle image velocimetry.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful culturing of human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) and colon carcinoma (SW620) cells for 72 hours.
- Observed healthy cell growth and proliferation at 3 V and 10 MHz.
- Confirmed minimal temperature variations in the cell culture region.
Conclusions:
- The ACET fluidic pumping chip effectively supports cell culture in microfluidic systems.
- The chip design mitigates deleterious effects of electrical and thermal stimuli on cells.
- This technology holds significant potential for advanced cell culture and tissue engineering.
