Liquid plug propagation in computer-controlled microfluidic airway-on-a-chip with semi-circular microchannels.

ABSTRACT: This paper introduces a two-inlet, one-outlet lung-on-a-chip device with semi-circular cross-section microchannels and computer-controlled fluidic switching that enables a broader systematic investigation of liquid plug dynamics in a manner relevant to the distal airways. A leak-proof bonding protocol for micro-milled devices facilitates channel bonding and culture of confluent primary small airway epithelial cells. Production of liquid plugs with computer-controlled inlet channel valving and just one outlet allows more stable long-term plug generation and propagation compared to previous designs. The system also captures both plug speed and length as well as pressure drop concurrently. In one demonstration, the system reproducibly generates surfactant-containing liquid plugs, a challengin

SUBMITTER: Viola HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10245866 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature