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Prototyping a Versatile Two-Layer Multi-Channel Microfluidic Device for Direct-Contact Cell-Vessel Co-Culture
Li-Jiun Chen1, Bibek Raut1, Nobuhiro Nagai2
1Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan.
Micromachines
|January 16, 2020
Summary
We developed a novel microfluidic device for direct cell co-culture, creating a model of the blood-retina barrier. This versatile platform enables real-time monitoring of epithelial barrier function.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Microfluidic devices offer versatile applications across research fields.
- Co-culture models are essential for mimicking in vivo biological systems.
- Accurate assessment of barrier integrity is crucial in various physiological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a two-layer, multi-channel microfluidic device for direct-contact cell-vessel co-culture.
- To establish a functional in vitro model of the outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB).
- To demonstrate the device's adaptability for real-time epithelial barrier integrity assessment.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a two-layer, multi-channel microfluidic device.
- Establishment of a co-culture model simulating the retinal pigment epithelial cells-Bruch membrane-fenestrated choroids.
- Integration of platinum electrodes for trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of a direct-contact co-culture system using the proposed microfluidic device.
- Creation of a functional outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB) model.
- Demonstration of on-chip TEER measurement capability for assessing epithelial barrier integrity.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic device enables direct-contact co-culture of cells and vessels.
- The device successfully models the outer blood-retina barrier.
- The platform is modifiable for real-time evaluation of epithelial monolayer status, showcasing its versatility.
