Microfluidic Device to Manipulate 3D Human Epithelial Cell-Derived Intestinal Organoids

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics
• Organoid Technology

Background:

• Human intestinal organoids are valuable models for studying gut biology and disease.
• Current methods for applying controlled stimuli to organoids are limited.
• Immobilizing organoids without causing deformation is crucial for accurate experimentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a microfluidic device for immobilizing and stimulating human intestinal organoids.
• To demonstrate the device's capability for culturing organoids and inducing fusion.
• To explore the potential of fluidic shear stress in regulating organoid surface structures.

Main Methods:

• Design of a microfluidic device featuring a trapping region with wall gaps and a constriction.
• Utilizing hydrostatic pressure differences to culture organoids without deformation.
• Applying fluidic shear stress to aligned organoids to induce fusion and modify surface structures.

Main Results:

• Successful immobilization of human intestinal organoids within the microfluidic device.
• Demonstrated culturing of organoids without significant deformation.
• Achieved organoid fusion and regulation of surface structures via controlled fluidic stimuli.

Conclusions:

• The microfluidic organoid-trapping device is effective for immobilizing and culturing human intestinal organoids.
• The device facilitates controlled application of fluidic stimuli, enabling organoid fusion and surface structure modulation.
• This technology holds promise for advancing research in organoid-based studies and drug screening.