Electrothermalポンプを用いた循環培養チップの開発

抄録

Although microphysiological systems have potential to culture cells closer to in vivo environment than conventional static culture, its complexity should be properly addressed for further development. In this study, we developed and evaluated electrothermal (ET) pumps which can contribute to the simplification of the systems by reducing the external mechanical pumps. Two different types of the ET pump installed in PDMS circular channel were examined. The pumps have either two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) electrode shape. The pump performance was compared with regard to the flow velocity and temperature rise by Joule heating. As a result, the flow velocity induced by the 3D electrode was larger than that induced by the 2D electrode. The temperature rise was found to be a function of the applied voltage and it showed almost no difference between the 2D and the 3D electrodes. From these results, Hela S3 cells were cultured using the 3D pump and a Peltier element that prevent an overheating of the cells. The cell growth in the culture chip with 3D ET pump showed similar growth rate as that in the static culture.