Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2025
10:55
Procedure for the Development of Multi-depth Circular Cross-sectional Endothelialized Microchannels-on-a-chip
Published on: October 21, 2013
13.9K
Development of a perfusable, hierarchical microvasculature-on-a-chip model
Sophia W Chen1, Adriana Blazeski1,2, Shun Zhang1,3
1Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.
Lab on a Chip
|September 29, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel 3D organ-on-chip model that mimics human vasculature, enabling better study of blood vessel function and cell behavior in microvascular networks.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Existing 3D organ-on-chip models often lack the hierarchical structure of human vasculature.
- A comprehensive understanding of microvascular function requires models that replicate arterial, capillary, and venous compartments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a perfusable, multi-compartmental 3D organ-on-chip model of human vasculature.
- To assess physiological properties like vessel permeability, vasoconstriction, and cell extravasation.
- To create a more accurate representation of the human microvasculature for research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized viscous finger patterning and passive pumping for arterial/venular lumens.
- Employed self-assembly for capillary bed vessel generation.
- Integrated collagen channels to refine permeability measurements and modulated flow via hydrostatic pressure.
Main Results:
- Successfully created a perfusable, hierarchical vascular model with directional flow.
- Demonstrated accurate assessment of vessel permeability, vasoconstriction, and cell arrest/extravasation.
- Observed cell arrest influenced by physical trapping and shear stress, aligning with metastatic theories.
Conclusions:
- The developed model effectively recapitulates key features of human microvascular beds.
- This advanced organ-on-chip system is suitable for studying cell dissemination and extravasation.
- The model provides a versatile platform for testing hypotheses in vascular biology and disease modeling.
