Abstract

Organs-on-a-Chip Mimicking Physiological Parameters For Pharmacokinetic Studies

Hiroshi Kimura, Associate Professor, Tokai University

Maintenance and replication of physiological functions of cells cultured in vitro are extremely difficult in conventional cell-based assay methods during life science and medical applications. Microfluidics is an emerging technology with the potential to provide integrated environments for maintenance, control, and monitoring the environment around cells. We work mainly in fundamental technologies of a microfluidic device and system, and their applications to biological sciences including Organ(s)-on-chips. In this presentation, we introduce integrated microfluidic platforms, which allow precise control of the cell culture environment on Organ(s)-on-chips. A physiological environment in vitro can be replicated by fabrication of microstructures and control of microfluidics in these devices. Moreover, functional components, such as sensors, valves and pump, can be integrated into the devices by microfabrication methods. We performed cell-based assays to evaluate the function of these devices. Because cells cultured in vitro could be maintained and measured, these devices may be applied to medical, pharmaceutical and biological sciences.