Abstract

Microfluidic Spatiotemporal Control Technology for Organ-on-a-Chip

Hiroshi Kimura, Associate Professor, Tokai University

Conventional cell-based assays in life science and medical application can be difficult to maintain cell functionally. Microfluidics is an emerging technology with potential to provide integrated environments for maintenance, control, and monitoring of surround of cells. Our research group works in mainly in fundamental technologies of microfluidic devices and systems, and their applications to biological sciences including and Organ-on-a-chip and Tissue-on-a-chip. In this presentation, we introduce integrated microfluidic platforms, which allow precisely control of the cell culture environment on Organ-on-a-chips. The microfluidic structure in the devices can mimic a physiological environment in vitro. Moreover, functional components, such as membranes, sensors, valves and pumps, can be integrated into the devices by microfabrication. We have applied the devices to organ cell assay, embryo culture, and tissue culture. Performance of the devices was examined through cell and tissue culture. These devices may have applications in drug screening and toxicity testing.