Open-top microfluidic devices and methods for simulating a function of a tissue

Abstract

A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of seeding cells, comprising:
 (a) providing a microfluidic device comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber separated from the first chamber by a membrane, the first chamber positioned under a removable cover;   (b) removing the removable cover thereby creating an opened region over a first side of the membrane; and   (c) seeding the first side of the membrane with said cells.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells are epithelial cells. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said epithelial cells are lung epithelial cells. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane includes endothelial cells on the opposite side of the membrane. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the second chamber includes fluidics configured to supply the endothelial cells with culture fluid. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising (d) culturing the lung epithelial cells submerged in culture fluid. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising (e) culturing the lung epithelial cells in air without culture media. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said second chamber is coupled to a channel. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first chamber comprises a gel matrix. 
     
     
         10 . A method of treating cells, comprising:
 a) providing a microfluidic device comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber separated from the first chamber by a membrane, the membrane including cells on a side facing the first chamber, the cells positioned under a removable cover;   b) removing the removable cover thereby creating an opened region over the cells; and   c) treating the cells with an agent.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the agent is in an aerosol. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the agent is in a liquid, gas, semi-solid, solid, or particulate form. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said cells are epithelial cells. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said epithelial cells are lung epithelial cells. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the membrane includes endothelial cells on the opposite side of the membrane. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the second chamber includes fluidics configured to supply the endothelial cells with culture fluid. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said second chamber is coupled to a channel. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said first chamber comprises a gel matrix.