Multi-layered, membrane-integrated microfluidics based on replica molding of a thiol–ene epoxy thermoset for organ-on-a-chip applications

Abstract

In this study we have investigated a photosensitive thermoset (OSTEMER 322-40) as a complementary material to readily fabricate complex multi-layered microdevices for applications in life science. Simple, versatile and robust fabrication of multifunctional microfluidics is becoming increasingly important for the development of customized tissue-, organ- and body-on-a-chip systems capable of mimicking tissue interfaces and biological barriers. In the present work key material properties including optical properties, vapor permeability, hydrophilicity and biocompatibility are evaluated for cell-based assays using fibroblasts, endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells. The excellent bonding strength of the OSTEMER thermoset to flexible fluoropolymer (FEP) sheets and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membranes further allows for the fabrication of integrated microfluidic components such as membrane-based microdegassers, microvalves and micropumps. We demonstrate the application of multi-layered, membrane-integrated microdevices that consist of up to seven layers and three membranes that specially confine and separate vascular cells from the epithelial barrier and 3D tissue structures.

Simultaneous Replication of Hydrophilic and Superhydrophobic Micropatterns through Area‐Selective Monomers Self‐Assembly

“…As polymer matrix, thiol‐ene monomers were used, since they form a densely cross‐linked network and because they exhibit interesting features for lab‐on‐chip applications, such as tunable mechanical properties, easy covalent surface bonding and surface grafting, and excellent photolithographic capabilities …”

A comparative study of five physiological key parameters between four different human trophoblast-derived cell lines

“…As technology advances rapidly, more recently even three-dimensional bio-printed placental models 43 and microfluidic placentas-on-a-chip 44, 45 have emerged to overcome the limitations of conventional in vitro techniques and re-create a more relevant and physiological cellular microenvironment. For example, Miura and co-workers have demonstrated recently that fluid flow and thus shear stress has a tremendous impact on formation of placental microvilli 46 .…”

Biomimetics of the pulmonary environment in vitro: A microfluidics perspective

“…On the one hand, such progress has arisen from the desire to devise more functional organ-on-chips. 51 For example, mimicking 3D networks of the microvasculature has received growing attention: efforts to recreate in vitro microcirculatory architectures have been motivated by tissue engineering applications as well as vasculo- and angiogenesis studies 52–55 . In parallel, recreating microvascular networks using microfluidics has also inspired novel artificial lung designs and blood oxygenators, as recently reviewed, 56 despite ongoing challenges in meeting physiological in vivo requirements of gas exchange at the whole-organ level.…”