During this project, the ER investigated different designs for a microfluidic brain-on-chip model. A suitable model was realised with multiple compartments connected by microchannels, intended to host different cell types and enable cross-talk in a controlled microenvironment.
A key function of the brain is to send and receive electrical and chemical signals. Neurons are brain cells that generate these signals and use them to communicate. Therefore, one important component of a miniature brain-on-chip device is to integrate electrodes to enable the researcher to measure electrical signals. In this project, collaborations were pursued to successfully achieve electrode surface patterning on the base layer of the microfluidic brain chip.
Another important feature of the brain is a highly selective membrane that acts as a barrier between the brain and blood vessels (the “blood-brain-barrier”). In this project, a membrane was employed as a barrier between compartments in order to better mimic tissue interfaces that are found in the body. Fabrication of the upper layers of the device focussed on testing different materials for their suitability for use as a thin membrane in the organ chip. The polymer FlexDym is transparent, gas permeable, flexible and easy to shape into thin sheets. It is also biocompatible, making it a good alternative to the commonly used thermo-polymer PDMS, which absorbs certain types of molecules. These polymers and commercially available polycarbonate membranes were tested for integration efficiency and bonding stability in the chip. Consideration was simultaneously given to user-friendly chip-to-world connections and ease of device handling.
Assembled chips were tested for leak performance by perfusing with model liquids using microfluidic flow control instruments. Candidate device prototypes were tested for compatibility with cell growth and device feedback in collaboration with external partners.
The project was presented to diverse and global scientific audiences at numerous European conferences and symposia, as well as through collaborative discussions and networking with the neuroscience and organ on chip communities, key technology stakeholders.
