A physiologically realistic in vitro model of microvascular networks

JM Rosano, N Tousi, RC Scott, B Krynska… - Biomedical …, 2009 - Springer
JM Rosano, N Tousi, RC Scott, B Krynska, V Rizzo, B Prabhakarpandian, K Pant…
Biomedical microdevices, 2009Springer
Existing microfluidic devices, eg parallel plate flow chambers, do not accurately depict the
geometry of microvascular networks in vivo. We have developed a synthetic microvascular
network (SMN) on a polydimethalsiloxane (PDMS) chip that can serve as an in vitro model of
the bifurcations, tortuosities, and cross-sectional changes found in microvascular networks
in vivo. Microvascular networks from a cremaster muscle were mapped using a modified
Geographical Information System, and then used to manufacture the SMNs on a PDMS chip …
Abstract
Existing microfluidic devices, e.g. parallel plate flow chambers, do not accurately depict the geometry of microvascular networks in vivo. We have developed a synthetic microvascular network (SMN) on a polydimethalsiloxane (PDMS) chip that can serve as an in vitro model of the bifurcations, tortuosities, and cross-sectional changes found in microvascular networks in vivo. Microvascular networks from a cremaster muscle were mapped using a modified Geographical Information System, and then used to manufacture the SMNs on a PDMS chip. The networks were cultured with bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC), which reached confluency 3–4 days after seeding. Propidium iodide staining indicated viable and healthy cells showing normal behavior in these networks. Anti-ICAM-1 conjugated 2-μm microspheres adhered to BAEC cells activated with TNF-α in significantly larger numbers compared to control IgG conjugated microspheres. This preferential adhesion suggests that cultured cells retain an intact cytokine response in the SMN. This microfluidic system can provide novel insight into characterization of drug delivery particles and dynamic flow conditions in microvascular networks.
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