Development of microfluidic devices to maintain and interrogate tissue biopsies - biomedical applications

Currently most cell-based methodologies in microfluidic systems utilize homogeneous or heterogeneous cell populations. However, these systems do not present an accurate representation of in vivo dynamics. A microfluidic based experimental methodology has been developed that offers a biomimetic microenvironment in which pseudo in vivo tissue studies can be carried out under in vitro conditions. Using this innovative technique, which utilizes the inherent advantages of microfluidic technology, liver and cancer tissue have been kept in a viable and functional state for over seven days. Biochemical assays, histological examination, confocal imaging, epi-fluorescent microscopy were all performed to assess the viability of the tissue before and after interrogation by several apoptosis inducing and chemotherapeutic agents. Liver tissue samples were also disaggregated in situ on-chip into individual primary cells, using a collagenase digestion procedure, enabling further cell analysis to be carried out off-line. Cancer tissue was probed with chemotherapeutic drugs for the analysis of apoptotic biomarkers such as cytochrome c, nucleosomes and DMA that were found to be representative of previous published clinical results. It is anticipated that this methodology will have a wide impact on biological and clinical research in fields such as cancer prognosis and treatment, drug development and toxicity, as well as enabling better fundamental research into tissue/cell processes.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Hull

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Hattersley, Samantha Margaret

• Chemistry

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:hull-repository.worktribe.com:4212958

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:hull-repository.worktribe.com:4212958