In vitro formation and characterization of a perfusable three-dimensional tubular capillary network in microfluidic devices (original) (raw)

* Corresponding authors

a School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
E-mail: njeon@snu.ac.kr (N. L. Jeon)
Fax: +82-2-880-7119
Tel: +82-2-880-7111

b World Class University (WCU) Program on Multiscale Mechanical Design, Seoul National University, Korea

Abstract

This paper describes the in vitro formation and characterization of perfusable capillary networks made of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in microfluidic devices (MFDs). Using this platform, an array of three-dimensional (3D) tubular capillaries of various dimensions (50–150 μm in diameter and 100–1600 μm in length) can be formed reproducibly. To generate connected blood vessels, MFDs were completely filled with fibrin gel and subsequently processed to selectively leave behind gel structures inside the bridge channels. Following gel solidification, HUVECs were coated along the gel walls, on opposite ends of the patterned 3D fibrin gel. After 3–4 days, HUVECs migrating into the fibrin gel from opposite ends fused with each other, spontaneously forming a connected vessel that expressed tight junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1), which are characteristic of post-capillary venules. With ready access to a perfusable capillary network, we demonstrated perfusion of the vessels and imaged red blood cells (RBCs) and beads flowing through them. The results were reproducible (∼50% successful perfusable capillaries), consistent, and could be performed in a parallel manner (9 devices per well plate). Additionally, compatibility with high resolution live-cell microscopy and the possibility of incorporating other cell types makes this a unique experimental platform for investigating basic and applied aspects of angiogenesis, anastomosis, and vascular biology.

Graphical abstract: In vitro formation and characterization of a perfusable three-dimensional tubular capillary network in microfluidic devices

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Article information

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1039/C2LC40131B

Article type

Paper

Submitted

07 Feb 2012

Accepted

22 May 2012

First published

24 May 2012

Download Citation

Lab Chip, 2012,12, 2815-2822

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