Vessel Mimicking Microfluidic Platform for Endothelial Cell Study

In this project, a vessel mimicking microfluidic platform will be developed by using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) fabrication, including deformable channel wall for endothelium sketch and programmable shear stress. We will firstly simulate the coupled physics of fluid mechanics and elastic material deforming through finite element software. Based on real situation of blood vessel, the optimized volume flow rate and pressure force can be back calculated to match shear stress and stretch force on endothelial cell (EC) of vessel. The simulation results will be used as the reference for experiments, in which the programmable air pressure to push channel well and micro syringe injection system are built. The EC in this vessel mimicking microfluidic platform will receive stretch force and three different flow types including pulsatile flow, reciprocating flow, and continuous flow. To observe the focal adhesion (FA), and cell matrix of cells, the treated EC in microfluidic channel will be fixed and stained with fluorescence to indicate. Finally, the branch microfluidic devices will be designed and fabricated for EC study. The EC near branch of channel will receive dramatically different flow field comparing to normal straight channel. We will observe the FA and cell matrix of EC, which is near branch, before/after operation of shear stress and stretch force. The in vitro vessel mimicking microfluidics will provide a platform for researchers to study cardiovascular disease (CVD).