Stretching devices for cells and tissues

Date: 

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015 - 14:30

Speaker: Alessio Gizzi (LIUCBM - Libera Università Campo Bio-Medico di Roma)

Room: SISSA - Santorio A - room 133

Abstract: 
In vitro models usually fail to recapitulate the complex organization of multicellular environments. Innovative robust platforms based on cells-on-chip technologies, instead, replicate the main functions of the target organ. The present contribution will describe advanced micro-fabricated fluidic PDMS membrane devices, purposely designed as a platform for mechanical and chemical sensors for cells and tissues as well as for human safety testing. The bio-micro interface allows to study cellular mechanics in both static and dynamic environments. In particular, a novel dedicated multi-axial design is introduced. A special focus will be given to the integration of the physical platform with in silico modeling tools, for a consistent analysis and the extraction of informative data. As representative example of advancement with respect to available technologies, a gut-on-chip protocol will be described in terms of: i) a multilayer cell culture and the presence of gut microflora; ii) permeability toward different chemical compounds; iii) the application of mechanical stretching to the cell layers through chip micro-actuation. The present technology is compatible with time lapse microscopy for high throughput screening and with standard chemical, biochemical, and molecular biology analyses to be performed on supernatants and/or cells.

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