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A modular and reconfigurable microfluidic device for culturing spheroids under continuous perfusion.
Hiba Aljayyousi, Sarah Sahloul1, Ajymurat Orozaliev1
1Divison of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
APL Bioengineering
|August 18, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a modular microfluidic device to improve 3D cell spheroid culture. The device enhances spheroid growth and viability, offering a versatile platform for biomedical research and drug testing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- 3D cell spheroids are vital in vitro models for research.
- Diffusion limitations hinder spheroid growth and viability in conventional cultures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile, modular microfluidic device for improved spheroid culture.
- To enable customizable channel configurations and facile spheroid retrieval.
Main Methods:
- A modular microfluidic device with a reconfigurable adhesive layer was designed.
- Three channel configurations were tested with Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (MEFs), human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs), and MDA-MB-231 cells.
- In situ optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used for noninvasive viability assessment.
Main Results:
- The device significantly enhanced spheroid growth (up to 139.9% for MEFs and hiPSCs over 14 days).
- Sphericity was maintained for MEF and MDA-MB-231 spheroids; hiPSC spheroids showed budding.
- Differential growth rates observed, indicating a need to balance nutrient delivery and autocrine factor retention.
Conclusions:
- The modular microfluidic device coupled with OCT is a powerful platform for spheroid culture.
- This system advances spheroid culture techniques for applications like drug testing and studying cell interactions.
