This invention revolutionizes dynamic cell culture models by enabling simultaneous and independent biomechanical stimulations under geometrically accurate organ structures.

Current in vitro systems fail to mimic the complex biomechanical environment of living tissues, and existing organ-chip models do not adequately simulate the physiological stresses of non-flat organs. Additionally, there is a lack of technology capable of supporting dynamic, high-throughput cell culture and screening.

A novel cell culture apparatus designed to apply variably controlled mechanical stimuli, including bending stress and shear stress, to cultured cells. This is achieved through a microfluidic chip integrated with pneumatic actuators, capable of mimicking the complex biomechanical environments of various organs by dynamically adjusting the chip's shape and fluid flow. Advancements in dynamic in vitro systems could revolutionize drug discovery, disease modeling, tissue engineering, pharmaceutical testing, and biomechanical research by providing accurate simulations of organ-specific responses and the effects of mechanical stimuli on cellular behavior.

Proof of Concept

• Enables precise control over both geometric and dynamic aspects of the cell culture environment.
• Capable of simulating a wide range of biomechanical conditions including shear stress, bending, and stretching.
• Supports high-throughput testing with compatibility for common multi-well plate formats.
• Promotes more physiologically relevant cell behaviors and responses, enhancing the predictive power of in vitro models.
• Facilitates the co-culture of multiple cell types under precisely controlled conditions.

Kim, M., Choi, K., Krizaj, D., & Kim, J. (2024). Regulation of Corneal Stromal Cell Behavior by Modulating Curvature Using a Hydraulically Controlled Organ Chip Array. Research square, rs.3.rs-3973873. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3973873/v1

Jonathan Tyler
801-587-0515
jonathan.tyler@utah.edu