Microfluidics is a technology characterized by the manipulation of fluid at the micro and nano- scale. This technology has shown in recent years several advantages in biological research. Property like: rapid sample processing, increased control of the fluids and decrease in cost make microfluidics an optimal candidate to replace conventional experimental methods in biological science. Thus, the aim of this thesis is the design and development of an automated microfluidics platform for the controlled culture of multiple cell types. The control is guaranteed by the use of microvalves. This new microfluidic device should have the following features: simplicity and reproducibility, reliability and resistance, easiness of automation and easily integrate with different analysis and imaging techniques. The production of the master device was done using the multilayer soft lithography technique based on the replica molding process. The geometry of the platform has been designed to allow greater ease of production and use. In this case, the microfluidic device was designed for obtaining a co-culture of cancer cells and other target metastatic site cells. The mechanical resistance of the platform has been tested with positive results: the platform and the integrated microvalves are able to work properly for several weeks. The biological validation of this platform has shown promising results since the cells are able to attach and grow inside it without contamination issues and cellular death, demonstrating that this platform is suitable for biological applications.

Production of devices for the controlled culture of multiple cell types

BIANCO, MARCO LORENZO
2021/2022

Abstract

Microfluidics is a technology characterized by the manipulation of fluid at the micro and nano- scale. This technology has shown in recent years several advantages in biological research. Property like: rapid sample processing, increased control of the fluids and decrease in cost make microfluidics an optimal candidate to replace conventional experimental methods in biological science. Thus, the aim of this thesis is the design and development of an automated microfluidics platform for the controlled culture of multiple cell types. The control is guaranteed by the use of microvalves. This new microfluidic device should have the following features: simplicity and reproducibility, reliability and resistance, easiness of automation and easily integrate with different analysis and imaging techniques. The production of the master device was done using the multilayer soft lithography technique based on the replica molding process. The geometry of the platform has been designed to allow greater ease of production and use. In this case, the microfluidic device was designed for obtaining a co-culture of cancer cells and other target metastatic site cells. The mechanical resistance of the platform has been tested with positive results: the platform and the integrated microvalves are able to work properly for several weeks. The biological validation of this platform has shown promising results since the cells are able to attach and grow inside it without contamination issues and cellular death, demonstrating that this platform is suitable for biological applications.
2021
Production of devices for the controlled culture of multiple cell types
microfluidics
microvalves
cancer-on-a-chip
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/37072