All things cell culture on the μSiM
Introduction As discussed in a previous post, we are working to adapt a PDMS flow insert as a manufacturable component. While our priority was maintaining the original flow channel geometry as Mansouri et al. designed, we slightly changed the channel length (5 mm –> 4.6 mm) to accommodate an extra bonding area for the pressure-sensitive…
Introduction A recent collaborative publication from RIT developed a modular µSiM to address the lack of physiological fluid flow in conventional open-well devices (Figure 1). The magnetic latching assembly of this design allows for quick configuration into a fluidic setup. The flow module is a microfabricated PDMS insert that contains a channel over the membrane…
Introduction: Many applications of the µSiM require fluid to be continuously supplied to the microfluidic devices. We use laboratory tubing (typically Cole-Parmer/Tygon Tubing with I.D = 1/16″) that is connected to syringes or peristaltic pumps to do so. However, interfacing the tubing with the current entry and exit ports for the bottom channel is not…
Introduction The basement membrane (BM) is a critical component of a healthy blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. Further, the BM breaks down in several diseases. Both pericytes and endothelial cells can contribute to basement membrane production. This post will explore a method to localize basement membrane components – collagen type IV (Col IV), fibronectin (FN), and…
Introduction When searching for a flow control system for microfluidic cell culture, we look to balance the ease of use, accessibility, and precision of fluidic control. For instance, researchers have explored different powered actuation methods for miniaturized precise proportional fluid control. These actuation methods include electromechanical, electrostatic, electromagnetic, piezoelectric, and thermal-based. The necessary power sources,…
Introduction This post is meant to serve as an update for some of the more recent work completed on the CAD-LB (catch and display for liquid biopsy) platform. The CAD-LB is intended to be used as a digital biomarker assay for interrogating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Since transitioning our assay to the µSIM device we…
Introduction The membrane on uSiM platform is inert, therefore, coating with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is essential to promote attachment and growth of adhesion cell lines on the uSiM. Besides promoting proper attachment on the membrane, the ECM proteins dramatically impact cell growth, differentiation, and functions. Therefore, careful consideration must be given in selecting the…
Attached is a PDF presented to the NIH at our annual update meeting that included other funded project teams. R61_R33HL154249 11-22 Update (Low Res)
Introduction Tissue barriers separate different compartments of body organs. These barriers regulate the absorption of nutrients, maintain homeostasis, and prevent toxins from entering. In vitro models of tissue barriers have been developed to understand human diseases and investigate drug toxicity and effectiveness. In order to investigate cell-cell junctions and barrier maturity created on these models,…
Introduction The capability of the m-μSiM for establishing an hiPSC-derived blood-brain barrier (BBB) in bioengineering and bioscience laboratories has been shown previously [1]. To further demonstrate interlaboratory agreement and successful dissemination of components and protocols, m-μSiM was used at RIT (Abhyankar lab) to establish an hiPSC-BMECs monolayer. Method All reagents and steps were used based…