3D Multi-Organ Co-Culture Chip With Gravity-Driven Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing co-culture microfluidic organ chips are limited in application range, lack universality, and have complex model construction and fluid control operations.
Innovation Solution
A 3D multi-organ co-culture chip with a simple structure featuring fluid storage holes, first and second culture micropores, and second fluid operation holes, allowing for easy cell inoculation and fluid control through gravity-based driving, enabling flexible 2D and 3D organ culture and real-time dynamic environment updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional 3D cell models are used, then spatial and chemical complexity of living tissue is represented, but organoids are variable in size and shape making it difficult to fix cells at consistent positions for next-step analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The chip is divided into multiple independent culture modules, each containing multiple culture micropores arranged in a fixed grid pattern. This segmentation allows consistent positioning of cells across different organoids while maintaining 3D culture complexity. Each module can be independently controlled and analyzed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from variable 3D organoid shapes to a standardized 3D micropore structure with fixed spatial coordinates. The culture micropores are positioned at consistent locations within each module, enabling precise cell positioning for downstream analysis while maintaining three-dimensional culture architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 3D model systems are used, then tissue specificity and differentiation function are improved, but micro-scale structures and multi-organ co-cultured tissue-tissue interfaces are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The chip platform is designed with universal applicability through standardized culture modules that can accommodate different organ types. Each module contains multiple culture micropores that can be filled with different cell types, enabling multi-organ co-culture. The same basic structure supports various tissue interfaces and cellular arrangements without requiring custom device construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple culture modules are integrated within a single chip body, creating a nested arrangement where different organ cultures coexist in a compact structure. This nesting enables multi-organ interaction and tissue-tissue interfaces while maintaining a unified, manageable device architecture that simplifies operation.
3Reliability
If conventional 3D models are used, then functional research capabilities are enhanced, but cells cannot be exposed to normal mechanical signals such as fluid shear force, tension and compression force
Solution Approach 1:
The chip incorporates microfluidic channels that enable controlled fluid flow through the culture modules. Culture medium can be perfused through the channels to provide fluid shear forces on cultured cells, mimicking physiological conditions. The microfluidic system allows precise control of flow rates and patterns without requiring complex external pumping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip design enables dynamic application of mechanical signals to cultured tissues. Fluid flow rates can be adjusted to provide varying shear forces, and the microfluidic system allows real-time modification of culture conditions. This dynamic capability enables study of mechanical signaling pathways while maintaining physiological relevance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates simple operation, expands application range, improves universality, and enables long-term in-vitro dynamic co-culture of multiple organs, simulating physiological forces for organ-specific responses.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid driving based on gravity is a simple and accurate fluid control mode
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D multi-organ co-culture chip is provided by present disclosure and comprises a chip body, wherein one or more groups of culture modules are arranged on the chip body; an each group of the culture modules comprises a fluid storage hole of which an end is open and is positioned at an upper surface of the chip body; a first culture micropore which is positioned below a corresponding fluid storage hole and communicates with the corresponding fluid storage hole; a second culture micropore which is positioned below a corresponding first culture micropore and communicates with the corresponding first culture micropore; and a plurality of second fluid operation holes, wherein an end of an second fluid operation hole is open and is positioned on the upper surface of the chip body and an other end of the second fluid operation hole communicates with a corresponding second culture micropore through a channel.