Microfluidic Cell Culturing Device

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to a microfluidic cell culturing device designed to enable the creation of self-assembled vascular networks and vascularized tissues, such as organoids, spheroids, and tissue biopsies, in a controlled in vitro environment. The device features a cell culture cavity linked to two perfusion channels via vertical capillary pressure barriers, allowing precise delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products. The design supports 3D tissue culture and facilitates studies that closely mimic in vivo physiological conditions, including vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, without the need for external pumps, complex fluidic controls, or specific hydrogel formulations.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Creation of vascularized tissue models for drug screening and toxicity testing.
• Studying tumor biology, cancer metastasis, and anti-cancer drug efficacy with patient-derived tissues in a personalized medicine context.
• Engineering artificial organs and tissues for regenerative medicine, transplantation, or organ-on-chip platforms.
• Basic biological research on vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and tissue-tissue interactions.
• Testing the efficacy and toxicity of pharmaceuticals across different tissue or organ interfaces, such as blood-brain barrier or lung epithelium.
• Investigation of organ-specific interactions and multi-organ response (multi-organs-on-chip) to chemical, biological, or environmental agents.
• Studying the effects of pathogens, inflammatory or genetic diseases on vascularized tissues.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables formation of physiologically relevant 3D vascular networks and tissue models in vitro.
• Simple and robust capillary barrier design—no need for micro-pillars, phase guides, or specialized hydrogels.
• Compatible with a wide range of hydrogel types, including those with rapidly changing viscosity (e.g., fibrin).
• Reduces reliance on animal testing by providing a more accurate in vitro alternative.
• Allows real-time imaging and analysis through transparent device components.
• Facilitates high-throughput screening and is compatible with standard multiwell plate formats.
• Mimics natural tissue architecture and organ-specific environments, improving the predictive power of experimental models.
• Supports co-culture and communication between different tissue types, enabling complex, multi-tissue studies.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A microfluidic cell culturing device comprises a cell culture cavity, a first perfusion channel having an inlet and an outlet, a first capillary pressure barrier essentially vertically connecting the first perfusion channel with the cell culture cavity, a second perfusion channel having an inlet and an outlet, and a second capillary pressure barrier essentially vertically connecting the second perfusion channel with the cell culture cavity.