Abstract
Microfluidics is an essential technique used in the development of in vitro models for mimicking complex biological systems. The microchip with microfluidic flows offers the precise control of the microenvironment where the cells can grow and structure inside channels to resemble in vivo conditions allowing a proper cellular response investigation. Hence, this study aimed to develop low-cost, simple microchips to simulate the shear stress effect on the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Differentially from other biological microfluidic devices described in the literature, we used readily available tools like heat-lamination, toner printer, laser cutter and biocompatible double-sided adhesive tapes to bind different layers of materials together, forming a designed composite with a microchannel. In addition, we screened alternative substrates, including polyester-toner, polyester-vinyl, glass, Permanox® and polystyrene to compose the microchips for optimizing cell adhesion, then enabling these microdevices when coupled to a syringe pump, the cells can withstand the fluid shear stress range from 1 to 4 dyne cm2. The cell viability was monitored by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining to detect live and dead cells. As a result, our fabrication processes were cost-effective and straightforward. The materials investigated in the assembling of the microchips exhibited good cell viability and biocompatibility, providing a dynamic microenvironment for cell proliferation. Therefore, we suggest that these microchips could be available everywhere, allowing in vitro assays for daily laboratory experiments and further developing the organ-on-a-chip concept.
Highlights
The development of a new in vitro model for investigating cell stimulation and drug screening has become increasingly emergent because the most available assays usually require extended time and/or are costly experiments [1]
Depending on the fabrication process, it is attainable to create a microdevice with design and geometry as necessary using versatile materials, including polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), glass, paper and polyester films [4,5,6,7]
The cytotoxicity of materials polyester-toner, polyester film and epoxy glue were assayed in our previous publication and showed no cytotoxicity [20]
Summary
The development of a new in vitro model for investigating cell stimulation and drug screening has become increasingly emergent because the most available assays usually require extended time and/or are costly experiments [1]. The combination of miniaturization and microfluidics has recently exhibited exceptional performance in creating in vitro models that enable mimicking human organ function and provide a better understanding of cell response to extrinsic physical and biochemical stimuli [2]. The microchip with a proper architecture design can emulate a suitable in vitro model and offers unparalleled advantages, including precise control of dynamic stresses and fluid gradients, facile monitoring of cell status and forming a highly structured tissue [3]. Micromachines 2021, 12, 346 simultaneously [8] For this reason, the microchip has been explored as an alternative in preclinical drug trials because of outstanding economic and technological advantages
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
