Abstract

Barrier-on-chip Models using 3D Biological Scaffolds

Maria Tenje, Senior Lecturer, Uppsala University

My research group is focused on developing novel processing technologies for biological hydrogels to serve as building materials in future barrier-on-chip models. Here, I will show the micropatterning of two different such materials. In the first example we have developed a thermostable gelatin-agar composite that can be used to mould microfluidic channels for cell cultures. The material does not show any autofluorescence and limited diffusion is seen into the matrix. Second, I will present work using hyaluronic acid where we control the thickness and lateral resolution on the microscale, i.e. the same length scale as the cells to be cultured, by moulding the materials in microfabricated compartments. Further, we can selectively crosslink the material with micrometer resolution using the conventional UV lithography approach. Further, we can control the chemical composition of the materials by using photo-induced cross-linking of ligands onto the device material. In this presentation I will show our latest results on cells cultured in micropatterned 3D scaffolds.