Microfluidic technology is a valuable tool for realizing more in vitro models capturing cellular and organ level responses for rapid and animal‐free risk assessment of new chemicals and drugs. Microfluidic cell‐based devices allow high‐throughput screening and flexible automation while lowering costs and reagent consumption due to their miniaturization. There is a growing need for faster and animal‐free approaches for drug development and safety assessment of chemicals (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances, REACH). The work presented describes a microfluidic platform for in vivo‐like in vitro cell cultivation. It is equipped with a wafer‐based silicon chip including integrated electrodes and a microcavity. A proof‐of‐concept using different relevant cell models shows its suitability for label‐free assessment of cytotoxic effects. A miniaturized microscope within each module monitors cell morphology and proliferation. Electrodes integrated in the microfluidic channels allow the noninvasive monitoring of barrier integrity followed by a label‐free assessment of cytotoxic effects. Each microfluidic cell cultivation module can be operated individually or be interconnected in a flexible way. The interconnection of the different modules aims at simulation of the whole‐body exposure and response and can contribute to the replacement of animal testing in risk assessment studies in compliance with the 3Rs to replace, reduce, and refine animal experiments.
With Point-of-Care (POC) Technology being an important and forward-looking commercial application of microfluidic analysis systems, we have investigated the gaps and challenges of contemporary POC technology to offer an orientation for future research and development-not solely, but also in the field of sensor technology. Problems were identified considering different points of view, from the manufacturer, who is anxious to bring his product to market, and from the user, who has to struggle with discomfort and errors. Even if problems are mostly not technological in nature, some technological challenges further on remain.
Biocompatible three-dimensional structures have been fabricated using micromachined silicon a s a mold. Techniques have been developed for patterning conductive silicone rubber on insulating silicone rubber substrates. Furlhermore, polyurethane replica of micromachined silicon wafers were formed. Applications of biocompatible microstructures comprise cell culture substrates, neural implants and prostheses, and microsubstrates for bioartificial organs.
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