Integrated human organ-on-chip microphysiological systems

Abstract

The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.

1 .- 75 . (canceled) 
     
     
         76 . An assembly comprising a microfluidic device attached to a cartridge, said microfluidic device comprising cells, said cartridge comprising (a) fluidic ports that connect to the microfluidic device, and (b) a mating surface, said mating surface to connect to the microfluidic device. 
     
     
         77 . The assembly of  claim 76 , wherein said microfluidic device is an organ-chip comprising living cells that mimic one or more functions of cells in an organ. 
     
     
         78 . The assembly of  claim 77 , wherein said cells are in a fluid channel. 
     
     
         79 . The assembly of  claim 76 , wherein said cartridge comprises fluid inputs and outputs. 
     
     
         80 . The assembly of  claim 79 , wherein said cartridge comprises a luer lock connector in fluid contact with at least one of the fluid inputs or outputs. 
     
     
         81 . The assembly of  claim 76 , wherein said mating surface comprises ridges around the fluidic ports that connect to the microfluidic device. 
     
     
         82 . The assembly of  claim 81 , wherein said ridges are elevated ridges. 
     
     
         83 . The assembly of  claim 76 , wherein said microfluidic device is positioned between said cartridge and a substrate, said substrate clamping said microfluidic device in place through one or more attachments to said cartridge. 
     
     
         84 . A cartridge dock comprising a plurality of cartridge bays, said bays configured to hold an assembly, said assembly comprising a microfluidic device attached to a cartridge, said cartridge comprising (a) fluidic ports that connect to the microfluidic device, and (b) a mating surface. 
     
     
         85 . The cartridge dock of  claim 84 , wherein said mating surface comprising elevated ridges around the fluidic ports that connect to the microfluidic device. 
     
     
         86 . The cartridge dock of  claim 84 , wherein said microfluidic device comprises cells. 
     
     
         87 . The cartridge dock of  claim 84 , wherein said microfluidic device is an organ-chip comprising living cells that mimic one or more functions of cells in an organ. 
     
     
         88 . The cartridge dock of  claim 86 , wherein said cells are in a fluid channel. 
     
     
         89 . The cartridge dock of  claim 84 , wherein said cartridge comprises fluid inputs and outputs. 
     
     
         90 . A cartridge comprising a microfluidic device attached thereto, said cartridge comprising a surface, said microfluidic device positioned between said surface of said cartridge and a substrate, said substrate clamping said microfluidic device in place through one or more attachments to said cartridge. 
     
     
         91 . The cartridge of  claim 90 , wherein said microfluidic device comprises cells. 
     
     
         92 . The cartridge of  claim 90 , wherein said microfluidic device is an organ-chip comprising living cells that mimic one or more functions of cells in an organ. 
     
     
         93 . The cartridge of  claim 91 , wherein said cells are in a fluid channel. 
     
     
         94 . The cartridge of  claim 90 , wherein said cartridge comprises fluid inputs and outputs. 
     
     
         95 . The cartridge of  claim 94 , wherein said cartridge comprises a luer lock connector in fluid contact with at least one of the fluid inputs or outputs. 
     
     
         96 . A method comprising: (a) providing first and second microfluidic devices, each device comprising a body having a microchannel therein and a membrane in contact with the microchannel, said first device held by a first cartridge, said second device held by a second cartridge, each cartridge having fluidics in communication with microchannels; (b) positioning said first cartridge in a cartridge dock without disconnecting said fluidics. 
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 96 , comprising the further step of positioning said second cartridge in said cartridge dock. 
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein said microfluidic devices are organ mimic devices comprising cells in contact with said membranes, said cells mimicking one or more functions of cells in an organ.