Modular Insert Chip for Cell Co-Culture with Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in vitro modeling platforms, such as Transwell and Organ-on-a-Chip systems, are limited by their cost, versatility, reusability, and ability to accommodate various cell populations and simulate different growth conditions effectively, hindering their universal application in drug discovery and disease mechanism studies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a modular, cost-efficient insert chip and cell culture system that allows for the co-culture of multiple cell types under controlled flow conditions, compatible with standard well plate and MEA platforms, using a 3D-printed hollow scaffold with a porous membrane and adjustable legs for precise positioning and fluid flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Transwell or Organ-on-a-Chip systems are used for cell culture, then cell co-culture and physiological modeling capabilities are improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable hollow scaffold containing inlet/outlet ports for fluid circulation, a removable porous membrane for cell culture, and adjustable legs for positioning. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be achieved through simple, interchangeable components rather than a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow scaffold serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables fluid flow through inlet/outlet ports, accommodates the porous membrane, and allows adjustment of membrane height via legs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining versatility for different cell culture configurations.
2Ease of operation
If standard Transwell inserts are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but ability to induce flow and simulate mechanical forces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static Transwell insert to a dynamic system by incorporating inlet and outlet ports that enable controlled fluid flow. The adjustable legs allow dynamic modification of the membrane position relative to the culture medium, enabling control over flow characteristics and mechanical forces applied to cells without complicating the basic ease of use.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular design with removable membrane is implemented, then reusability and cost-efficiency are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable legs are designed to be manually positioned by the user to achieve the desired membrane height and positioning. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for precision manufacturing of fixed positioning features, allowing standard manufacturing tolerances while still achieving the required functional precision through user adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an insert chip and a cell culture system including the same, adapted for culturing a plurality of cell populations under various flow patterns.