Abstract

Microfluidic Multi-well Plate for Biaxial Intestinal Cell Stretching and Compression

Liyuan Gong, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Rhode Island

Understanding the mechanobiology of the intestinal mucosal layer is crucial for unraveling gastrointestinal health complexities. However, existing cell stretching models are often expensive and lack scalability. In this study, we introduce an affordable microfluidic multiwell plate that enables the study of mucosal layer behavior under controlled mechanical strain mimicking in vivo intestine motion. The design incorporates polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), micro-milling and utilizes standard laboratory equipment for ease of adoption. The microfluidic channels allow precise stretching of multiple cell monolayers under flow conditions. Our platform offers several advantages. It mimics physiological conditions within the gastrointestinal tract, enabling investigation of cell morphology and mechanotransduction pathways. The scalability facilitates high-throughput experiments, comparing multiple conditions or cell types. The multiwell format allows for mucus-secreting cell incorporation, studying mucus layer behavior and its interaction with strain. Preliminary validation experiments using intestinal epithelial cell monolayers and strain sensors demonstrated controlled stretching and alterations in cellular morphology and mucin gene expression. In summary, our low-cost microfluidic multiwell plate provides a versatile and scalable approach for studying mucosal layer behavior, advancing understanding of gastrointestinal physiology, mucosal layer disorders, and therapeutic strategies targeting mechanobiology.