3D biomimetic chip integrated with microvascular system for studying the liver specific functions

Abstract

We describe the design and fabrication of 3D chip that enables the cell co-culture under continuous flow perfusion and repeated in situ observation by light microscopy. Thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane was etched to create an array of through-holes, and sandwiched between two PDMS channels to form an upper chamber and lower chamber. In the upper chamber hepatocytes (HepG2) and fibroblasts (3T3) were co-cultured to mimic the liver whereas in the lower structure endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were cultured to mimic the vascular system at the cellular scale for providing nutrients to the in vitro liver mimicked in the upper channel.