Fabrication of PEG Hydrogel Microstructures in Microfluidic System for Multicellular Spheroid Formation, Culturing and Analysis

Abstract

This study presents a novel microfluidic device for 3 dimension cell culturing and analysis. Through defining the exposure to ultra-violet light by a photomask, localized photopolymerization of poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels form biocompatible and permselective microstructures within a microfluidic device. The designed geometry of microstructures allowed cells to be trapped into structures and to form spheroids in situ. Subsequent analysis and long-term three-dimension cell culture can achieve within the same device. This technique may apply as a microscale bioreactor or a platform for spheroid-based drug screening and study.