Protein-Based Microfluidic Models for Biomedical Applications

Protein-based microfluidic extracellular matrices (ECMs) are naturally well-suited as templates for the creation of perfusable microvessels and epithelial tubes. By definition, microfluidic ECMs contain open and/or blind-ended channels with diameters on the order of 100 μm or smaller. They are designed to be immediately perfusable, and thus do not rely on biological tubulogenesis to form lumens. Methods to create the microfluidic networks can be applied to a broad range of matrix compositions and network geometries and topologies. When lined by a monolayer of endothelium or epithelium, a microfluidic ECM can be converted into a microvascular or epithelial model. Introduction of substances or cells through the lumen of such models enables study of transport properties and the biophysical and biochemical factors that control these properties. Microfluidic models can also be used to analyze, predict, and optimize the design of microfluidic networks within engineered tissues.