The design and validation of a 3D culture microfluidic chip.

Abstract

<p>(a)The schematic design of the microfluidic chip with CGG and downstream cell chambers (the upper panel) and the fabricated chip with pumping machine (the lower panel). (b)The diffused Rh-123 in the 3D chamber within 30 min and >95% cells were viable (green). Magnification ×100. (c) The morphological features of A549 cells in the 3D chamber without or with CAF matrix. The white arrows indicate apoptotic cells. (d)The α-SMA immunofluorescence assay of HFL1 cells. HFL1 cells induced by A549 medium showed a positive α-SMA staining (right) compared to the untreated HFL1 (left). Magnification ×400. (e) Immunohistochemistry assay for lung cancer tissues. The expression of α-SMA protein in the lung cancer tissues is higher than that in adjacent tissues. Magnification ×200.</p