Multi Layered Microfluidic Devices For In Vitro Large Scale Perfused Capillary Networks

· More physiologically accurate than current organ-on-a-chip technologies · Technology can be assembled with low cost materials · Device is highly configurable as user can design each layer’s specifications independently from another layer · Platform is compact, enabling both scalability and mobility

-Research tool    o Toxicity studies    o Drug response studies

“Organ-on-a-chip” systems can mimic the characteristics and functions of organs in vitro and thus are useful medical research tools. Using such systems, researchers have been looking for ways to better study the vascular network of the circulatory system. However, current capillary networks recapitulated by “organ-on-a-chip” systems utilize a single layer configuration, limiting the layout, positioning, and complexity of these networks. Inventors at UC Irvine have devised a flexible and scalable strategy for improving the physiological recapitulation of capillary systems. The strategy enables the vessels formed in tissue culturing chambers to be more densely packed, resulting in the formation of large-scale perfused capillary networks. This enhancement is important because with the integration of a large-scale functional microvasculature network, researchers can: (1) better study physiological relevant phenomenon such as angiogenesis (sprouting of new vessels), anastomosis (connecting between/among vessels), and perfusion, and (2) perform drug studies on physiologically similar “organ systems”.

State Of Development

Prototype has been developed and demonstrated to form large-scale capillary networks.

Tech ID/UC Case

29377/2018-229-0

Related Cases

2018-229-0

USA