Evaluation of an anti-cancer drug in a dialysis membrane integrated organs-on-a-chip

Abstract

In the Micro Total Analysis Systems (μTAS) research field, Organ-on-a-chip based on microfluidics has been widely studied as cell-based assay platforms. Cell culture environment in the Organ-on-a-chip was intermittently due to culture medium have to changed frequently to maintain cell culture environment. Human body environment is regulated by consistent and continuous processes, Organ-on-a-chip cell culture environment should be simulated to human body environment to maintain organs functions such as absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion precisely in vitro. In this study, we have developed a multi organs-on-a-chip integrated with a dialysis membrane as a novel cell-based assay platform to maintain a homeostasis cell culture environment. The dialysis membrane allows diffusion of nutrients and metabolites between a cell culture compartment and a compartment for nutritional supplementation. The cell culture compartment was designed by consists of multi cell culture chambers and connected by physiologically designed microchannels. Co-culture experiment and drug assay tests will assist in evaluating the functions of the device. The results show cultured cells were well maintained in the device and it can be application on cell-based assays in drug discovery studies.