Three dimensional microfluidic perfusion cell culture system

In collaboration with Dr Hyeok Park at Pusan National University, Korea, we are developing a microfluidic perfusion system, which allows study of drug effects in long-term culture under physiological conditions. The continuous perfusion allows cells to be cultured under biologically relevant glucose without depletion of nutrients, hence mimicking the flow of nutrients through the blood. Together with the 3D architecture, this allows close imitation the in vivo situation. The design permits a concentration of drug or substrate to be applied across the wells. Currently, we are working with a 4-well structure, but will soon be developing the 7-well system, where more drug concentrations can be assessed in parallel.