3D Skin Chip with Microfluidic Channels and Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-vitro skin models are limited in accurately mimicking the complex structure of human skin, leading to low accuracy in predicting skin responses to chemicals, and they require large amounts of expensive cells for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A 3D multi-layer skin chip with integrated microfluidic channels and electrode sensors is developed, allowing for dynamic cell culture and permeability measurements across multiple cell layers, reducing the amount of cells required and enhancing the representation of human skin structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional in-vitro skin models are used to mimic human skin structure, then the structural simplicity is achieved, but the accuracy in predicting skin responses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D static culture systems to 3D dynamic models by stacking multiple cell layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis) vertically and introducing microfluidic flow to create dynamic physiological conditions, thereby achieving both structural complexity and prediction accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The skin model is divided into distinct functional layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis) with specific cell types in each layer, allowing each segment to perform its specialized function while collectively creating a realistic skin structure that improves prediction accuracy
2Ease of operation
If traditional in-vitro skin models are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the cell quantity required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a scaled-down replica of human skin structure on a chip platform, copying the essential 3D architecture and physiological functions in a miniaturized format that requires fewer cells while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized chip interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The model changes the scale parameter from whole-organism or large-dish cultures to micro-scale chip dimensions, reducing the total cell quantity required while maintaining the 3D structural parameters and physiological functionality through optimized microenvironment design
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a skin chip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a step of forming first and second PDMS layers disposed on both surfaces of a porous membrane and each having a microfluidic channel through which a culture medium is transferred to both surfaces of the porous membrane; a step of forming first and second MEA substrate layers disposed on the outer surfaces of the first and second PDMS layers, respectively, and having metal electrodes for measurement of TEER arranged at positions corresponding to the channels; and a step of forming first and second PMMA layers disposed on the outer surfaces of the first and second MEA substrate layers, respectively. In the method for manufacturing a skin chip according to in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the porous membrane may be made of a polycarbonate having pores of a predetermined size.