Protocol for fabricating and characterizing microvessel-on-a-chip for human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Organ-on-a-chip technologies enable the fabrication of endothelial tissues, so-called microvessels (MVs), which emulate the endothelial barrier function in healthy or disease conditions. In this protocol, we describe the fabrication of perfusable open-chamber style MVs embedded in collagen gels. We then report a simple technology to characterize the MV barrier properties in static or under pressure based on fluorescence confocal imaging. Finally, we provide quantification techniques that enable us to infer the structure of MV paracellular pores. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cacheux et al.¹.