Title of the project: Microfluidic perfusion and spatial monitoring of organoid cultures (MICROFUSE)
Description of the project:
Organ-on-chips (OoCs) are bioengineered microfluidic devices which aim to replicate the key functional aspects of tissues and organs. In order to recapitulate in vivo conditions as closely as possible, it is important to integrate a representative and efficient system for transport and supply of nutrients and oxygen within OoCs. 3D cell cultures such as spheroids and organoids cannot form complex vascular networks, and hence there is a need to integrate artificial vascular networks. The key challenge of efficiently supplying O2, nutrients & other molecules and remove waste products, will be addressed in the present project, through the integration of porous channels within 2D & 3D cell cultures. The objective is to control the mass transport of O2 and growth medium, gain insight in transport limitations and optimal conditions & channel architectures and to mimic physiological conditions.
Nationality: Mauritian
VUB department and supervisor:
Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry (CHIS)
Prof. Wim DE MALSCHE
Starting date: 1st March 2024