Abstract

HepaChip-MP – An organ-like Perfusable Cell Culture System in Multi-well Plate Format for Toxicity Testing

Marius Busche, Phd student, NMI

We present a microfluidic, continuously perfused in vitro model of the liver-sinusoid in multiwellplate format (HepaChip-MP). Electrodes integrated within the system enable active and simultaneous assembly of only viable liver cells into sinusoid-like structures within 24 independent cultivation chambers. Automated filling by a pipetting robot and tubeless gravitational driven perfusion yields an easy-to-use system operable by non-expert end-users. Reduced vitality after diclofenac treatment could be measured and metabolic functions such as CYP activity and CYP induction were demonstrated. Integrated oxygen sensors allow to measure oxygen concentration and cellular respiration inside the culture chamber.