A Microfluidic Chip Embracing a Nanofiber Scaffold for 3D Cell Culture and Real-Time Monitoring

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Tissue Engineering
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Increasing demand for advanced in-vitro models drives innovation beyond traditional 2D cell cultures and animal testing.
• Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture and tissue-on-a-chip technologies offer more physiologically relevant environments.
• Microfluidic systems are crucial for developing sophisticated in-vitro models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel microfluidic chip incorporating an electrospun nanofiber scaffold for 3D cell culture.
• To demonstrate the capability of the chip for real-time monitoring of cell status and function.
• To assess the chip's suitability for long-term cell culture and analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a microfluidic chip integrated with an electrospun nanofiber scaffold.
• Culturing HepG2 cells within the nanofiber scaffold in the microfluidic chip for 14 days.
• Real-time monitoring of cell morphology and the production of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of 3D cell culture within the microfluidic chip using the nanofiber scaffold.
• HepG2 cells exhibited 3D culture-specific morphology throughout the 14-day culture period.
• Continuous, real-time monitoring of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein production was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic chip with a nanofiber scaffold effectively supports 3D cell culture.
• The system allows for real-time monitoring of cell function, proving its utility for in-vitro studies.
• This technology represents a promising alternative to conventional cell culture and animal testing.