Here at Creative Biolabs, our multifunctional vessel-on-a-chip and fabrication platform can reproduce the physiological and pathological characteristics of blood vessels in a simple and well-controlled manner, and the vessel-on-a-chip microfluidic platform will be a powerful tool in the field of vascular-related diseases.
Microenvironment and Key Features of the Vascular System
The human vascular system is an important system that connects the organs of the whole body and realizes the circulation of nutrients and gases. A healthy vascular system has a well-defined hierarchy, with arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins forming an evenly distributed network of tissues. Through angioblast differentiation or direct recruitment from the bone marrow, endothelial cells form a capillary-like primary network and complete vessel expansion and sprouting through processes of proliferation, growth and tube formation. This process demonstrates the critical role of vascular endothelial cells in both macroscopic and microscopic blood vessels. In larger vascular structures, a monolayer of endothelial cells is surrounded by smooth muscle cells and an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of elastin and collagen, as well as various signaling molecules, growth factors, and adhesion proteins to maintain the homeostasis of the internal environment.
Fig. 1 Vessel on a chip.1,2
Typical Vessel-On-A-Chip Model
The lack of visualization of vascular growth in animal models and the fact that various parameters cannot be controlled limit the exploration of vascular physiology, making rational in vitro models a more attractive alternative. Our transwell chip will be a simple but practical alternative to vascular endothelial cell culture. This design uses permeability as a measure of microvascular function and is an effective way to reproduce the function of individual blood vessels under normal and pathological conditions. Hemodynamics is a key driver of blood vessel formation, and precise control of fluid shear forces is one of the strengths of microfluidic chips. Our bilayer microchannel system combined with membrane filter inserts to create porous planes, while recapitulating vascular barrier morphology, enables the simulation of fluid shear stress without the need for cumbersome perfusion equipment.
Fig. 2 Human iPSCs induced to generate blood vessels in vessel-on-a-chip models.1,2
Advanced Vessel-On-A-Chip Model
The development of microfluidic technology and the advancement of microfabrication platforms have allowed more design options for vascular chips, and the patterning process of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has endowed microfluidic chips with the ability to produce well-defined microscale geometries. In addition to simple single-channel chips, Creative Biolabs also provides randomly patterned microvascular chips that form stable and reproducible microvascular networks. The complex number of branches and extended vessel lengths ensure high-quality networks grown in vitro. The introduction of shear flow can help you further explore mechanosensitive responses in vascular networks. We also customize channels with specific geometric shapes and orientations for our clients through soft lithography. Customized chips can help you explore the functions of vascular tissues in physiological or pathological states according to your exact experimental needs.
Our Services
With histological knowledge and advanced precision processing platform, Creative Biolabs provides our clients with vessel-on-a-chip models that summarize the function, structure and composition of microcirculatory vessels under well-controlled conditions. You may choose a simple but powerful experimental chip or a complex vascular network system to accurately replicate human physiology. It is also feasible to customize patterns for specific disease modeling and tissue regeneration. Our vessel-on-a-chip models have proven to be a reliable and useful addition to in vivo studies of microvascular physiology and function, so don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
References
Cuenca, M.V.; et al. Engineered 3D vessel-on-chip using hiPSC-derived endothelial- and vascular smooth muscle cells. Stem Cell Report. 2021, 16: 2159-2168.
under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
Features and Benefits
Realistic Vascular Architecture
Vessel-On-A-Chip models replicate the complex architecture of blood vessels, providing a physiologically relevant environment for studying vascular biology. This allows for more accurate modeling of blood flow, shear stress, and cellular interactions.
Integration with Cellular and Molecular Analysis
Vessel-On-A-Chip models can be integrated with various analytical techniques, such as imaging, electrophysiology, and molecular assays. This allows for comprehensive analysis of cellular behavior and molecular changes within the vascular system.
Enhanced Cell Viability and Functionality
The controlled microenvironment maintains cell viability and functionality over extended periods. This ensures that endothelial cells and other vascular components remain healthy, providing reliable and reproducible data.
Physiologically Relevant Flow Conditions
Vessel-On-A-Chip models mimic the natural blood flow conditions, including shear stress and pressure gradients. This creates a more realistic environment for studying vascular responses and drug interactions under physiological conditions.
Advanced Data Analysis
Sophisticated data analysis tools and software are available to interpret the complex data generated by Vessel-On-A-Chip experiments. This enhances the understanding of vascular behavior, drug effects, and disease mechanisms.
Q&As
Q: How does Vessel-On-A-Chip technology work?
A: Vessel-On-A-Chip technology uses microfluidic platforms to culture endothelial cells and other vascular components. These devices simulate blood flow and shear stress, enabling the study of vascular responses under physiological and pathological conditions, providing a realistic model of the human vascular system.
Q: What types of vessels can be modeled using Vessel-On-A-Chip?
A: Various types of blood vessels can be modeled, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. The system can be customized to mimic different vessel diameters, flow conditions, and cellular compositions, making it versatile for a wide range of vascular research applications.
Q: What are the advantages of using Vessel-On-A-Chip over traditional cell culture?
A: Advantages include better mimicry of in vivo conditions, precise control over experimental parameters, and the ability to study complex interactions within the vascular system. This results in more accurate and translatable data compared to traditional two-dimensional cell cultures.
Q: How is data from Vessel-On-A-Chip models analyzed?
A: Data analysis involves monitoring vascular responses through imaging, electrophysiology, and molecular assays. Advanced bioinformatics tools are used to interpret the data, providing insights into vascular dynamics, drug effects, and disease mechanisms.
Q: Can Vessel-On-A-Chip models be customized for specific research needs?
A: Yes, Vessel-On-A-Chip models can be customized to meet specific research requirements, such as different vessel types, flow conditions, and cellular configurations. This customization ensures that the models are highly relevant to the particular scientific questions being addressed.
Resources
Videos
Creative Biolabs has established a comprehensive microfluidics technique platform.
Fig. 1 Vessel on a chip.1,2
Fig. 2 Human iPSCs induced to generate blood vessels in vessel-on-a-chip models.1,2
