Perfusable Vascular Network with a Tissue Model in a Microfluidic Device

作者： Yuji Nashimoto1, Yukako Teraoka1, Ramin Banan Sadeghian1, Akiko Nakamasu2, Yuichiro Arima3, Sanshiro Hanada3, Hidetoshi Kotera1, Koichi Nishiyama3, Takashi Miura2, Ryuji Yokokawa1 1Department of Micro Engineering,Kyoto University, 2Graduate School of Medical Sciences,Kyushu University, 3International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS),Kumamoto University

简介：

Overview

This protocol outlines the engineering of a perfusable vascular network within a spheroid using a microfluidic platform. The method facilitates the simulation of drug delivery directly into spheroids, addressing important questions in tissue modeling.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Microfluidics
• Vascular biology
• Tissue engineering

Background

• Understanding vascular networks is crucial for in vivo and in vitro tissue models.
• Perfusion in three-dimensional cultures has been a long-awaited technique.
• The method enhances the study of drug and supplement administration routes.
• Challenges exist in cell introduction into microfluidic devices.

Purpose of Study

• To construct a perfusable vascular network in multicellular aggregates.
• To simulate drug delivery in vitro.
• To improve understanding of vascular networks in regenerative medicine.

Methods Used

• Utilization of a microfluidic platform for network construction.
• PDMS prepolymer casting and curing.
• Degassing in a vacuum chamber.
• Creating holes in PDMS for cell introduction.

Main Results

• The method successfully creates a perfusable vascular network.
• Drug delivery can be effectively simulated in spheroids.
• Challenges in cell introduction were identified and addressed.
• This technique enhances the relevance of in vitro models.

Conclusions

• The protocol provides a valuable tool for studying vascular networks.
• It opens new avenues for research in regenerative medicine.
• Further optimization may improve cell introduction techniques.

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