Microfluidics Integration into Low-Noise Multi-Electrode Arrays.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Organ-on-Chip (OOC) technology utilizes microchips with cultured cells/tissues to mimic organ functions for drug development.
• Microfluidic integration enhances OOC systems by replicating in vivo microenvironments for improved predictive power.
• Current static (no-flow) systems have limitations in replicating dynamic physiological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To transition from static to dynamic multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) in Organ-on-Chip systems.
• To develop a microfluidic system ensuring continuous and homogeneous electrolyte transfer for improved cell culture conditions.
• To characterize the electrical performance of the dynamic MEA under various flow conditions.

Main Methods:

• Design, simulation, and fabrication of a microfluidic system integrated with a multi-electrode array.
• Electrical characterization of the microfluidic MEA under static and continuous flow conditions.
• Assessment of background noise levels at a flow rate of 80 µL/min.

Main Results:

• Successful transition from static to dynamic microfluidic MEA.
• Demonstrated continuous and homogeneous electrolyte solution transfer across the measurement chamber.
• Achieved minimal background disturbance with noise below 30 µVpp across tested flow rates.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic MEA enhances Organ-on-Chip systems by enabling more accurate and long-term electrophysiological recordings.
• This dynamic system overcomes limitations of static setups, offering a more physiologically relevant microenvironment.
• The technology paves the way for improved drug development and disease modeling using OOC platforms.