Organ mimic device with microchannels and methods of use and manufacturing thereof

Abstract

System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . A device comprising:
 a body, said body comprising first and second channels and a gel membrane, the gel membrane configured to separate said first and second channels.   
     
     
         50 . The device of  claim 49 , further comprising cells. 
     
     
         51 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein said cells are positioned on said gel membrane. 
     
     
         52 . The device of  claim 51 , wherein the cells are selected from the group consisting of epithelial, endothelial, mesenchymal, muscle, immune, neural, and hematopoietic cells. 
     
     
         53 . A device comprising:
 a body, said body comprising first and second channels and a gel, the gel configured to separate said first and second channels.   
     
     
         54 . The device of  claim 53 , further comprising cells. 
     
     
         55 . The device of  claim 54 , wherein said cells are positioned on said gel. 
     
     
         56 . The device of  claim 54 , wherein the cells are selected from the group consisting of epithelial, endothelial, mesenchymal, muscle, immune, neural, and hematopoietic cells. 
     
     
         57 . A method comprising:
 a) providing a device having a body, the body comprising a gel separating first and second channels;   b) applying a first fluid through said first channel.   
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 57 , wherein said device further comprises cells. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein said cells are positioned on said gel. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein the cells are selected from the group consisting of epithelial, endothelial, mesenchymal, muscle, immune, neural, and hematopoietic cells. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 57 , further comprising applying a second fluid through said second channel.