An integrated microfluidic chip for alginate microsphere generation and 3D cell culture

Anal Methods. 2022 Mar 24;14(12):1181-1186. doi: 10.1039/d1ay01820e.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel microspheres have attracted increasing attention as cell culture carriers. The system of hydrogel microspheres provides great advantages for cell growth owing to its high surface-to-volume ratio and biocompatible environment. However, an integrated system that includes microsphere generation, microsphere capture and in situ culture together has not been realized yet. Here we present a multifunctional microfluidic device to accomplish the overall process including cell-laden microsphere generation, online demulsification and dynamic-culture. The microfluidic device can produce massive monodispersed alginate microspheres and allows us to immobilize the alginate microspheres and record bacterial growth. Moreover, the microspheres provide a suitable environment through the mechanical properties of soft tissues, leading to high cell viability, proliferation, activity and biocompatibility. We believe that this versatile and biocompatible platform will provide a more reliable analysis tool for tissue engineering and cell therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alginates*
  • Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional
  • Hydrogels
  • Microfluidics* / methods
  • Microspheres

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Hydrogels