Issue 2, 2024

A hybrid fluorescent nanofiber membrane integrated with microfluidic chips towards lung-on-a-chip applications

Abstract

Here, we report a fluorescent electrospun nanofiber membrane for integration into microfluidic devices towards lung-on-a-chip applications complemented with the results of computational fluid dynamics modelling. A proposed hybrid poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)–collagen membrane was developed, characterized, tested, and integrated into a prototype microfluidic chip for biocompatibility studies. The resulting membrane has a thickness of approximately 10 μm, can be adjusted for appropriate porosity, and offers excellent biocompatibility for mimicry of a basement membrane to be used in lung-on-a-chip device applications. Several membrane variations were synthesized and evaluated using SEM, FTIR, AFM, and high-resolution confocal fluorescence microscopy. A sample microfluidic chip made of cyclic olefin copolymer and polydimethylsiloxane was built and integrated with the developed PCL–collagen membrane for on-chip cell culture visualisation and biocompatibility studies. The sample chip design was modelled to determine the optimal fluidic conditions for using the membrane in the chip under fluidic conditions for future studies. The integration of the proposed membrane into microfluidic devices represents a novel strategy for improving lung-on-a-chip applications which can enhance laboratory recapitulation of the lung microenvironment.

Graphical abstract: A hybrid fluorescent nanofiber membrane integrated with microfluidic chips towards lung-on-a-chip applications

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
05 sep 2023
Accepted
27 nov 2023
First published
30 nov 2023

Lab Chip, 2024,24, 224-233

A hybrid fluorescent nanofiber membrane integrated with microfluidic chips towards lung-on-a-chip applications

P. Kanabekova, B. Dauletkanov, Z. Bekezhankyzy, S. Toktarkan, A. Martin, T. T. Pham, K. Kostas and G. Kulsharova, Lab Chip, 2024, 24, 224 DOI: 10.1039/D3LC00751K

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