Multi-channel microfluidic chip with bilateral stripe for reconstruction of tissue barrier models in vitro

Organ-on-a-chip systems can replicate human physiological functions in vitro by simulating the dynamic in vivo microenvironment, therefore offering great potential for applications in drug screening, disease research, and personalized medicine. Multi-channel microfluidic chips are the core physical components of organ-on-a-chip systems, which often incorporate structures such as stripes, micro-pillars, and porous membranes to confine gels within specific channels, thereby providing a three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) environment for reconstruction of tissue barrier models in vitro. However, current multi-channel microfluidic chips confront challenges such as the unintended absorption of molecules, dependence on complex multimaterial and multi-step fabrication processes, and instability in confining liquids. To address these challenges, we propose a multi-channel microfluidic chip with bilateral stripe structures, which can be mass-produced using single cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) material through injection molding.The bilateral stripe structures can effectively confine liquids with different wettabilities within the central channel by leveraging the edge effect. To confirm the versatility of the microfluidic platform, we have successfully constructed tubular endothelial and renal tubule barriers on this chip, showcasing its potential for high-throughput, standardized organoid culture. This innovative microfluidic platform enables the construction of various in vitro organ models, offering a powerful tool for preclinical research and drug development.