Abstract

Hybrid Sensor Integration in Resealable Microfluidic Flowcell Systems as a Toolbox for Organ-on-a-Chip Applications

Herman Blok, Business Development Manager, Micronit Microtechnologies BV, Micronit Microtechnologies BV

Building on our developed microfluidic platform technology and interfacing solutions for Organ-on-a-Chip applications we present some examples of integrated sensors that enable quantitative control and analysis of underlying bio-processes that take place within the chip. The well-controlled micro-environment within Organ-on-a-Chip flow devices exists by the virtue of positive feedback control loops in which integrated sensors play a crucial role in capturing real-time data that reflect the status of the culturing conditions on-chip. Examples of sensors that we have chosen to focus on initially are based on electrode-integration for TEER (trans epithelial electrical resistance) or EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), as well as chemical sensors, such as oxygen sensors, that are indispensable for controlling and maintaining oxygen levels under hypoxia conditions that enable e.g. anaerobic microbial co-culturing with human organ-mimicking cells. The Design-For-Manufacturability (DFM) concepts incorporating hybrid sensors are addressing scalability and customizability needs for a whole platform of Organ-on-a-Chip applications. Here, we demonstrate their applicability as enabling R&D tools for prototyping and (further) development of Organ-on-a-Chip applications.