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A perforated microhole-based microfluidic device for improving sprouting angiogenesis in vitro
Sijia Chen1, Liguang Zhang1, Yi Zhao1
1Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of the State Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
Biomicrofluidics
|November 1, 2017
Summary
This study presents a novel microfluidic device for studying angiogenesis in vitro. The device enhances the formation of well-connected, tube-like structures by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using microhole barriers and a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gradient.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Investigating angiogenesis in vitro is crucial for understanding blood vessel formation.
- Microfluidic devices offer precise control for mimicking physiological conditions.
- Existing models often lack the microtopographic cues necessary for realistic angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel microfluidic device for in vitro angiogenesis research.
- To assess the impact of microhole barriers and a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gradient on endothelial cell behavior.
- To establish an improved in vitro model for studying sprouting angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device with cross-shaped chambers.
- Incorporation of perforated PDMS microhole arrays as barriers using soft lithography.
- Creation of a linear VEGF concentration gradient within a type I collagen gel and culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
Main Results:
- Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) migrated along microhole walls and formed cell clusters.
- Cells exhibited three-dimensional sprouting into the collagen scaffold, forming tube-like structures.
- Microhole barriers significantly enhanced sprout length, regularity, and network connectivity compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The novel microfluidic device effectively recapitulates key aspects of in vitro angiogenesis.
- Microtopographic structures (microholes) combined with a VEGF gradient promote more organized and robust angiogenesis.
- This device serves as an ideal model for studying angiogenesis and related vascularization processes.
