Title: 

A magnetic-hydrodynamic microfluidic platform, a method of fabricating it, and a method of growing artificial tissues in a magnetic micropole. 

Protection status: 

Patent No. Pat.240748 

Subject: 

The subject of the invention is a microfluidic platform that is a disposable interchangeable microsystem assembly for conducting three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures and research using them, under preset hydrodynamic conditions, and a device that generates a magnetic microfield (so-called field generator) with applied properties, in particular, a preset distribution of magnetic field strength. 

Benefits: 

The platform enables the creation of a dynamic microenvironment modeling tissue structure, suitable for conducting cell co-cultures over a long period of time, enabling cell proliferation and differentiation. The platform provides an environment with constant or time-varying conditions and controlled parameters, such as the distribution of fluid velocity and vorticity in the culture chamber, the spatial distribution of cells with different morphological structures, including different types of human cells, and the controlled formation of intra-tissue vascular-fluidic structures.  

The main advantage of the proposed solution is a new approach to conducting laboratory drug testing. The developed microsystems make it possible to reduce the cost and time of research and increase its cognitive value. The main innovative advantage of the platofrma is the far-reaching specialization of its potential application. None of the known TOC (tumor-on-a-chip) models allows full mapping of the actual structure of blood vessels and tumor microenvironment, and thus conducting studies of dynamic phenomena occurring in tumors with satisfactory precision. 

Stage of work: 

As part of the tests, a number of prototype microsystems were constructed using the developed microdevice fabrication method. The devices were characterized by full functionality, enabling laboratory studies – cell co-cultures and their monitoring using an inverted optics microscope. 

Application: 

The microfluidic platform can be used in biology, medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology and biomedical engineering for growing cancer cells/tumors on microfluidic chips, the so-called microfluidic biochips (tumor-on-a-chip). Platform can be applied for: the primary study of cell differentiation mechanisms and modes of intercellular signaling; studies of tissue responses to physical, chemical and biological stimulation and damage; diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases, particularly cancer in so-called personalized medicine (targeted methods) and at various stages of new therapeutic substances testing. 

Contact: @: sylwia.grzelak@umed.lodz.pl, tel.: 502 447 575