2. Academic Validation
  3. A novel microfluidic self-perfusion chip (MSPC) for pumpless 3D cell, microtissue and organoid culture

A novel microfluidic self-perfusion chip (MSPC) for pumpless 3D cell, microtissue and organoid culture

  • Lab Chip. 2025 Jul 23;25(15):3694-3706. doi: 10.1039/d5lc00030k.
Guohua Wu 1 2 3,  Di Wu 4,  Wenqi Hu 2 3,  Qinrui Lu 2 3,  Yusen Zhou 2 3 5,  Jie Liu 2 3,  Qijun Du 2 3,  Zhi Luo 6,  Haijie Hu 7,  Hongwei Jiang 1,  Bangchuan Hu 8,  Shuqi Wang 2 3 9 5
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Luoyang Key Laboratory of Clinical Multiomics and Translational Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Rare Diseases, Endocrinology and Metabolism Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China. jianghw@haust.edu.cn.
  • 2 National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China. shuqi@scu.edu.cn.
  • 3 College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
  • 4 Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, Laboratory Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610213, China.
  • 5 Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu, 641400, China.
  • 6 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
  • 7 Division of Biliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
  • 8 Emergency and Critical Care Center, ICU, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310014, China. hubangchuanicu@163.com.
  • 9 Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
PMID: 40206017 DOI: 10.1039/d5lc00030k
Abstract

Microfluidic systems have revolutionized biological research by enabling precise control over cellular environments at microscale volumes. However, traditional pump-driven systems face challenges such as complexity, cost, cell-damaging shear stress, and limited portability. This study introduces a novel adjustable microfluidic self-perfusion chip (MSPC) that uses evaporation as a driving force, eliminating the need for external pumps. Our design offers improved metabolic waste management and simplified control over fluid dynamics. The chip features adjustable evaporation pore sizes, demonstrating a robust linear relationship (R2 = 0.95) between the pore size and fluid evaporation rate. This ensures consistent fluid flow and effective waste removal, shown by lower ammonia and lactate levels compared to conventional cultures. Its unidirectional flow system and integrated one-way valve maintain cell viability, even under complete evaporation conditions. This innovative platform facilitates the cultivation of complex tissue-like structures, providing a valuable tool for tissue and organ model development, as well as drug screening and toxicity testing. By addressing key limitations of traditional systems, our adjustable MSPC represents a significant advancement in microfluidic Cell Culture technology, offering improved accessibility and applicability in biological research.

Figures
Products