Previously,
our group has developed
a methodology for digitization and fabrication of microfluidic devices
based on in vivo microvascular networks.19 (link) A modified Geographic Information System (GIS) approach was used
to digitize the microvascular networks. The largest tissue area from
the network was selected, and the vascular wall adjacent to the area
was modified in AutoCAD to include a 3 μm pore size, the most
common and optimum for studying leukocyte migration.20 (link)−22 Briefly, the fabrication of the microfluidic devices starts with
lithographically patterning SU-8 photoresist on Si wafers. To achieve
the multiple heights associated with the vascular channels, barrier,
and tissue compartment area, multiple layers of SU-8 are spin-coated
and patterned. Microfabricated pillars (10 μm diameter) were
used to fabricate the 3 μm pores with a width of 100 μm
connecting the vascular and tissue compartments. Once the SU-8 microfluidic
features were patterned, the 1:10 w/w ratio of Sylgard 184 silicone
elastomer base and curing agent (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) was poured
over the master and cured. Subsequently, the cured polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS) was peeled from the SU-8 master, followed by punching of inlet/outlet
ports, and plasma bonded to a glass slide cleaned to remove organic
species. The schematic of the device used in this study is shown in
Figure1 A.
our group has developed
a methodology for digitization and fabrication of microfluidic devices
based on in vivo microvascular networks.19 (link) A modified Geographic Information System (GIS) approach was used
to digitize the microvascular networks. The largest tissue area from
the network was selected, and the vascular wall adjacent to the area
was modified in AutoCAD to include a 3 μm pore size, the most
common and optimum for studying leukocyte migration.20 (link)−22 Briefly, the fabrication of the microfluidic devices starts with
lithographically patterning SU-8 photoresist on Si wafers. To achieve
the multiple heights associated with the vascular channels, barrier,
and tissue compartment area, multiple layers of SU-8 are spin-coated
and patterned. Microfabricated pillars (10 μm diameter) were
used to fabricate the 3 μm pores with a width of 100 μm
connecting the vascular and tissue compartments. Once the SU-8 microfluidic
features were patterned, the 1:10 w/w ratio of Sylgard 184 silicone
elastomer base and curing agent (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) was poured
over the master and cured. Subsequently, the cured polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS) was peeled from the SU-8 master, followed by punching of inlet/outlet
ports, and plasma bonded to a glass slide cleaned to remove organic
species. The schematic of the device used in this study is shown in
Figure
