Neural Interface Engineering by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783030418540
Publisher: Springer International Publishing

8.4.3 Microfluidics in 3D Culture

Microfluidic Approaches

Microfluidic devices utilize precise control and manipulation of fluid flow at sub-millimetre scales based on capillary action, micropumps and microvalves. Microfluidic devices for cell culture have traditionally been fabricated via photolithography and injection moulding processes; however, 3D printing techniques have been a boon to laboratory-scale production of microfluidic devices. The devices are typically made from soft, elastic materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (Fig. 8.7) or hydrogels such as Matrigel or GelMA, which enable them to be compatible with cell culturing and optical imaging (Gupta et al. 2016; Millet and Gillette 2012). An important advantage of these systems that they enable continuous, high-resolution spatiotemporal control of the extracellular microenvironment via controlled perfusion of media. This active perfusion of media overcomes some limitations inherent to traditional 3D cell culture such as mass transport limitations, hence avoiding the development of necrotic cores (Ayuso et al. 2016; Barisam et al. 2018). They also allow for a large degree of flexibility, in both device design and the types of experiments which can be conducted. Other advantages include a high degree of possible control, the potential for automation, low reagent volumes and low cell numbers.

Fig. 8.7(a) Microfluidic chamber designed for 3D neural cell cultures by Cullen et al. (b) Cross section showing PDMS culture chambers and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) housing. (c, d) Microfluidic device incorporated in bioreactor/perfusion platforms. (Reproduced from with permission from Cullen et al. 2007)

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