Abstract
We propose fabrication method of arteriole and capillary vessel model with circular cross-section. We fabricated these models with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) by photolithography. Our method is based on bonding of two identical PDMS substrates with grooves of semicircular cross-section. However, alignment of these two substrates is quite difficult and the cross-section of the microchannel was little misaligned. To solve this problem, we made pairs of a post and a hole in opposite substrates. We fabricated capillary vessel parts as well as these pairs by multi stage exposure photolithography. The alignment patterns are useful for fine positioning and assembly. We made a model with φ10 μm cross-section and improved circularity of cross-section of the microchannel. There was no leakage in the test of water flow. As an application example of the capillary vessel model, we incubated and monitored human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) behavior and morphology in it by fluorescent microscope.
