Multi-gel compartment chip

Here we showcase a versatile chip design (below, with 7 channels) to combine perfusion and 3D culture in chosen hydrogels. The sections, containing blue dyes in the image below, are designed to hold a 3D matrix (such as fibrin, Matrigel, collagen gels) with or without encapsulated cells.

The channels on both sides of the gel compartment allow for perfusion and/or 2D cultures of specific cell types (e.g. HUVECs when studying angiogenesis). Below you can see the design variations, from single gel compartment (left) to triple gel compartment (right).

The channels on both sides of the gel compartment allow for perfusion and/or 2D cultures of specific cell types (e.g. HUVECs when studying angiogenesis). Below you can see the design variations, from single gel compartment (left) to triple gel compartment (right).

These designs are from the following references:

• Left, Right: On-chip human microvasculature assay for visualization and quantification of tumor cell extravasation dynamics (link here).
• Center: Integrating perfusable vascular networks with a three-dimensional tissue in a microfluidic device (link here).