A physiologically realistic in vitro model of microvascular networks

Abstract

Existing microfluidic devices, e.g:parallel plate flow chambers, do not accurately depict the geometry of microvascular networks in vivo. We have developed a synthetic microvascular network (SMN) on a polydime-thalsiloxane (PDMS) chip that can serve as an in vitro. model of the bifurcations, tortuosities, and cross-sectional changes found in microvascular networks in vivo. Micro-vascular networks from a cremaster muscle were mapped using a modified Geographical Information System, and then used to manufacture the SMNs on a PDMS chip. The networks were cultured with bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC), which reached confluency 3–4 days after seeding. Propidium iodide staining indicated viable and healthy cells showing normal behavior in these networks. Anti-ICAM-1 conjugated 2-μm microspheres adhered to BAEC cells