Self-aligning Tetris-Like (TILE) modular microfluidic platform for mimicking multi-organ interactions

Lab Chip. 2019 Jun 25;19(13):2178-2191. doi: 10.1039/c9lc00160c.

Abstract

Multi-organ perfusion systems offer the unique opportunity to mimic different physiological systemic interactions. However, existing multi-organ culture platforms have limited flexibility in specifying the culture conditions, device architectures, and fluidic connectivity simultaneously. Here, we report a modular microfluidic platform that addresses this limitation by enabling easy conversion of existing microfluidic devices into tissue and fluid control modules with self-aligning magnetic interconnects. This enables a 'stick-n-play' approach to assemble planar perfusion circuits that are amenable to both bioimaging-based and analytical measurements. A myriad of tissue culture and flow control TILE modules were successfully constructed with backward compatibility. Finally, we demonstrate applications in constructing recirculating multi-organ systems to emulate liver-mediated bioactivation of nutraceuticals and prodrugs to modulate their therapeutic efficacies in the context of atherosclerosis and cancer. This platform greatly facilitates the integration of existing organs-on-chip models to provide an intuitive and flexible way for users to configure different multi-organ perfusion systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques* / instrumentation
  • Organ Culture Techniques*
  • Prodrugs / pharmacology

Substances

  • Prodrugs