Transforming a well into a chip: A modular 3D-printed microfluidic chip

Organ-on-a-Chip platforms provide rich opportunities to observe interactions between different cell types under in vivo-like conditions, i.e., in the presence of flow. Yet, the costs and know-how required for the fabrication and implementation of these platforms restrict their accessibility. This study introduces and demonstrates a novel Insert-Chip: a microfluidic device that provides the functionality of an Organ-on-a-Chip platform, namely, the capacity to co-culture cells, expose them to flow, and observe their interactions-yet can easily be integrated into standard culture systems (e.g., well plates or multi-electrode arrays). The device is produced using stereolithograpy 3D printing and is user-friendly and reusable. Moreover, its design features overcome some of the measurement and imaging challenges characterizing standard Organ-on-a-Chip platforms. We have co-cultured endothelial and epithelial cells under flow conditions to demonstrate the functionality of the device. Overall, this novel microfluidic device is a promising platform for the investigation of biological functions, cell-cell interactions, and response to therapeutics.

Automated summary

The Insert-Chip microfluidic device offers the functionalities of an Organ-on-a-Chip platform in a user-friendly and reusable manner, allowing for co-culturing of cells, exposure to flow, and observation of interactions. This novel device overcomes measurement and imaging challenges associated with standard Organ-on-a-Chip platforms, demonstrating its promise for investigating biological functions, cell-cell interactions, and response to therapeutics.