Open-top microfluidic device with structural anchors
A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.
1. A method comprising:
a) providing a microfluidic device for cell culture comprising
i) an open-top cavity said cavity comprising ii) a gel matrix secured by structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces, said gel matrix positioned above iii) a porous membrane, said membrane positioned above one or more iv) microfluidic channels and v) an actuation mechanism attached to the microfluidic device, said open-top cavity comprising vi) at least one open region in an open-top structure configured to allow direct access to the gel matrix and the membrane; and
b) stretching said gel matrix with the actuation mechanism.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the gel matrix has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said stretching is uniform across the thickness of the gel.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said stretching causes the entire gel matrix to expand.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said gel matrix comprises cells.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said cells comprise lung cells.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said actuation device mechanism is a mechanical engaging device.
8. A method comprising:
a) providing a microfluidic device for cell culture comprising i) an open-top cavity said cavity comprising ii) a gel matrix secured by structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces, said gel matrix positioned above iii) a porous membrane, said membrane positioned above one or more iv) microfluidic channels, said open-top cavity comprising v) at least one open region in an open-top structure configured to allow direct access to the gel matrix and the membrane; and
b) closing said open-top cavity with a removable lid.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising;
c) removing the lid; and
d) introducing cells to the gel matrix.