Characterization of tight junction disruption and immune response modulation in a miniaturized Caco-2/U937 coculture-based in vitro model of the human intestinal barrier

A microfluidic-based dynamic in vitro model of the human intestinal barrier has been constructed and characterized. The intestinal epithelial monolayer was mimicked by culturing caco-2 cells on a porous membrane in a double-layered microfluidic chip and interfaced with a co-culture of U937 as a model of immune responsive cells. The physiological flow was also mimicked by a continuous perfusion of culture media from the apical and basolateral side of the porous membrane. This dynamic in vivo-like environment maintains a continuous supply of cell nutrient and waste removal and create mechanical shear stress within the physiological ranges which promotes uniform cell growth and tight junction formation. The monolayer permeability to soluble ion changes after treating with LPS, and TNF alpha as indicated by the reduction of the TEER value. In addition, the immune competent caco-2/U937-based model allowed the investigating the role of the epithelial layer as a protection barrier to biological hazards as indicated by the suppressing of the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.