Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
09:37
Microfabrication of Chip-sized Scaffolds for Three-dimensional Cell cultivation
Published on: May 12, 2008
11.9K
Engineering a dynamic three-dimensional cell culturing microenvironment using a 'sandwich' structure-liked
Laiqian Ding1, Chong Liu1,2, Shuqing Yin1
1Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China.
Biofabrication
|August 16, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel 3D-printed microfluidic device with a scaffold for dynamic cell culture, mimicking in vivo environments. The device shows promise for in vitro cell studies and drug screening.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Most cells reside in 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) with fluid flow, necessitating in vivo-like culture methods.
- Current methods like hydrogels, spheroids, and scaffolds are being investigated for advanced cell culture.
- Microfluidic systems offer a promising avenue for creating physiologically relevant microenvironments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel microfluidic device with a 3D-printed scaffold for three-dimensional and dynamic cell culture.
- To mimic in vivo-like microenvironments for improved cell studies.
- To assess the device's potential for in vitro cell studies, tissue engineering, and drug screening.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 'sandwich' structure microfluidic device using thermally assisted electrohydrodynamic jet (TAEJ) printing and microfabrication.
- Integration of a 3D printing scaffold within the microfluidic device to mimic ECM.
- Evaluation of flow fields using numerical simulation and particle tracking.
- Culturing HeLa cells to assess proliferation, viability, and drug response (doxorubicin hydrochloride).
Main Results:
- The microfluidic device successfully provided a 3D attachment area and dynamic medium supply, mimicking ECM and blood vessels.
- Flow field analysis confirmed the scaffold's influence on the microenvironment.
- Cell proliferation and viability were comparable to traditional 48-well plates.
- Dose-dependent cell responses to doxorubicin hydrochloride were observed, demonstrating the device's utility for drug screening.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic device with a 3D-printed scaffold exhibits good biocompatibility and feasibility.
- It effectively provides a native-like microenvironment for in vitro cell studies.
- The device holds significant potential for applications in tissue engineering and drug screening, particularly for tumor therapy.
