Gut-on-chip methodology based on 3D-printed molds: a cost-effective and accessible approach

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Gut-on-chips (GoC) offer physiologically relevant models for gut research.
• High costs and technical expertise limit widespread GoC adoption.
• Existing fabrication methods are expensive and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an open-access, low-cost gut-on-chip platform.
• To overcome technological and economic barriers in GoC technology.
• To enable wider accessibility for gut health and pathology research.

Main Methods:

• Utilized desktop stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing for fabrication.
• Designed a user-friendly and simple microfluidic device.
• Optimized for batch production, reproducibility, and live imaging compatibility.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated the 3DP-μGut platform using a standard 3D printer.
• Demonstrated reproducible chip quality suitable for biological experiments.
• Caco-2 cells formed a self-organized 3D epithelium mimicking in vivo structures.
• Successfully performed coculture and infection assays with gut bacteria.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing enables affordable and customizable gut-on-chip platforms.
• The 3DP-μGut platform democratizes access to advanced gut modeling.
• This technology facilitates research into gut health, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions.