Abstract
Before microfluidic-based cell culture models can be practically utilized for bioassays, there is a need for a transitional cell culture technique that can improve conventional cell culture models. To address this, a hybrid cell culture system integrating an active cover lid and a multi-well microplate was proposed to achieve perfusion 3-D cell culture. In this system, a microfluidic-based pneumatically-driven liquid transport mechanism was integrated into the active cover lid to realize 6-unit culture medium perfusion. Experimental results revealed that the flow of culture medium could be pneumatically driven in a flow-rate uniform manner. We used the system to successfully perform a perfusion 3-D cell culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for up to 16 days. Moreover, we investigated the effects of various cell culture models on the physiology of MSCs. The physiological nature of MSCs can vary with respect to the cell culture model used. Using the perfusion 3-D cell culture format might affect the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Overall, we have developed a cell culture system that can achieve multi-well microplate-based perfusion 3-D cell culture in an efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly manner. These features could facilitate the widespread application of perfusion cell culture models for cell-based assays.
Highlights
Fundamental study of cellular physiology[17,18]
Before we can practically utilize microfluidic cell culture systems to conduct more efficient, precise, and physiologically meaningful cell-based assays, there is an urgent need for a transitional cell culture model that can practically tackle the technical disadvantages that are present in conventional static 2-D monolayer cell culture models
The prevalent challenges facing the use of conventional static 2-D monolayer cell culture and of advanced cell culture methods were described earlier in this work
Summary
Fundamental study of cellular physiology[17,18]. As a promising alternative to conventional cell culture methods, the use of microfluidic-based cell culture devices has several intrinsic advantages. Before we can practically utilize microfluidic cell culture systems to conduct more efficient, precise, and physiologically meaningful cell-based assays, there is an urgent need for a transitional cell culture model that can practically tackle the technical disadvantages that are present in conventional static 2-D monolayer cell culture models To address this issue, this study proposes a hybrid system that integrates microfluidic technology with conventional multi-well microplate-based cell culture methods. The active cover lid functions as a top lid to seal the multi-well microplate but, more importantly, to drive and control the culture medium to flow between the wells of the microplate to create a perfusion cell culture The design of this device largely eliminates the need for costly and bulky liquid pumping equipment (e.g., bench-top syringe pumps) and for the labour-intensive works involved in setting up the tubing interconnections that are required in current perfusion cell culture practices. These features hold great promise for the widespread application of perfusion cell culture models in cell-based assays
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
