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Design, Simulation, and Evaluation of Polymer-Based Microfluidic Devices via Computational Fluid Dynamics and Cell
Nurzhanna Bakuova1, Sultanali Toktarkan1, Darkhan Dyussembinov2
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan.
Biosensors
|July 28, 2023
Summary
This study compared two liver-on-a-chip designs. An elliptical chamber chip demonstrated superior flow and filling characteristics compared to a circular one, validating its potential for in vitro testing.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology is crucial for understanding in-organ processes and developing new testing methods.
- Microfluidic devices offer promising platforms for advanced in vitro models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the flow behavior and filling characteristics of two microfluidic liver-on-a-chip devices.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and cell growth of Huh7 cells within these devices.
Main Methods:
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis was employed to model fluid flow.
- Huh7 hepatoma cells were cultured in microfluidic devices under static and dynamic flow conditions.
- Biocompatibility and cell viability were assessed through cell attachment and growth studies.
Main Results:
- CFD analysis indicated that the elliptical chamber chip has improved flow and filling characteristics over the circular chamber chip.
- Huh7 cells exhibited successful attachment, viability, and consistent growth in both static and dynamic culture conditions.
- The study confirmed the biocompatibility of the liver-on-a-chip prototypes.
Conclusions:
- The elliptical chamber liver-on-a-chip design shows enhanced performance for fluid dynamics and filling.
- These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing OoC device design and improving in vitro testing methodologies.
- The developed liver-on-a-chip models support advancements in alternative methods for preclinical testing.
