Microfluidic cell culturing by hydrogel-based diffusion/perfusion

Microfluidic cell cultures offer manifold capabilities for cell analysis and drug testing. Growth chambers in the microscale are ideally suited for parallel cultivation and tight regulation of the culture environment. Precisely defined cell seeding and deliverance of nutritions are important aspects in on-chip cultures. Especially for cells growing in suspension efficient concepts to keep them in place while supplying fresh media are required. The microfluidic cell culturing device utilizes mechanical structures within the chip for unique seeding and cell recovering features. In situ fabricated hydrogel barriers facilitate diffusion and allow an operation in diffusion and perfusion mode, respectively. The functionality of the device is evaluated by cultivating the small suspended-grown species of S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis.