Abstract

Image-Guided, Laser-Based Fabrication of Hydrogel-Embedded Microfluidic Networks

John H. Slater, Associate Professor, Dept of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware

We demonstrate fabrication of three-dimensional, biomimetic microfluidic networks embedded in hydrogels by combining laser-based hydrogel degradation with image-guided laser control. Generation of high-density, capillary-like microfluidic networks that recapitulate the architecture of in vivo microvasculature as well as the ability to induce internetwork transport between two independent microfluidic systems is presented. Recapitulating in vivo-like transport using biomimetic microfluidic networks may prove advantageous in fabricating advanced in vitro tissue models.