Open source microfluidics for spatio-temporal regulation of microenvironment for mammalian cell cultures

“a Layout of the microfluidics device with five independent chambers. On one side, all chambers are connected to the main channel that develops from port A to port B of the schematics. Fluids can be directed to each chamber independently by dedicated ports (ports #1 to #5 on the schematics). The serpentine flow resistor prevents shear stress to the cells during the device operations. b, c Modes of operation of VersaLive and their finite element simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics software (dashed inset). In the “perfusion” single-input mode (b), the main channel is exploited to deliver the same medium to all chambers at the same time. Multi-input mode (c) exploits the dedicated ports to deliver different inputs (i.e., media, chemicals) to each chamber avoiding cross-contaminations. d During cell loading, the cell suspension flows through the main channel and into the chambers. Once in the chamber, cells slow down and are eventually stopped by the filter features as predicted in the velocity profile of the simulation. Scale bar, 150 µm. e Solvent evaporation at the reservoirs was observed to increase the solute concentration of the channel content during perfusion. The effect was completely removed by the addition of a layer of mineral oil at the reservoirs. In the plot one single representative run is reported.” Reproduced under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License from Nocera, G.M., Viscido, G., Criscuolo, S. et al. The VersaLive platform enables microfluidic mammalian cell culture for versatile applications. Commun Biol 5, 1034 (2022).