Abstract: The invention provides method of fabricating a scaffold comprising a fluidic network, including the steps of: (a) generating an initial vascular layer for enclosing the chamber and providing fluid to the cells, the initial vascular layer having a network of channels for fluid; (b) translating the initial vascular layer into a model for fluid dynamics analysis; (c) analyzing the initial vascular layer based on desired parameters selected from the group consisting of a characteristic of a specific fluid, an input pressure, an output pressure, an overall flow rate and combinations thereof to determine sheer stress and velocity within the network of channels; (d) measuring the sheer stress and the velocity and comparing the obtained values to predetermined values; (e) determining if either of the shear stress or the velocity are greater than or less than the predetermined values, and (f) optionally modifying the initial vascular layer and repeating steps (b)-(e).

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a bodily cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a drug supply reservoir to supply drug into a delivery channel and an actuator for delivering the drug to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear. The drug is loaded into the delivery channel while producing substantially negligible flow at an outlet of the delivery channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue engineered compositions and methods comprising nanotopographic surface topography (“nanotopography”) for use in modulating the organization and/or function of multiple cell types.

Abstract: Methods and materials for making complex, living, vascularized tissues for organ and tissue replacement, especially complex and/or thick, structures, such as liver tissue is provided. Tissue lamina is made in a system comprising an apparatus having (a) a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds have means defining microchannels positioned toward the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds are fastened together; and (b) animal cells. Methods for producing complex, three-dimensional tissues or organs from tissue lamina are also provided.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the organ systems are fluidically connected with a constant-volume pump.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for increasing convective clearance of particles from a liquid is provided. A network of first channels can be separated from a network of second channels by a membrane. The network of second channels can include a pressurizing feature to create a high pressure at an upstream portion of the second channels and a low pressure at a downstream portion of the second channels. Liquid containing an analyte can be introduced in the network of first channels. Filtrate can be flowed through the pressurizing feature in the second channels, such that the pressure difference in between the first and second channels causes at least some of the analyte in the first liquid is transported into the second channels through the membrane.

Abstract: An compact hydraulic manifold for transporting shear sensitive fluids is provided. A channel network can include a trunk and branch architecture coupled to a bifurcation architecture. Features such as tapered channel walls, curvatures and angles of channels, and zones of low fluid pressure can be used to reduce the size while maintaining wall shear rates within a narrow range. A hydraulic manifold can be coupled to a series of microfluidic layers to construct a compact microfluidic device.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for exchanging gas in an oxygenator device, and methods for preparing and using such oxygenator devices. The systems and methods can be used to transfer oxygen to blood to assist lung function in a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for exchanging gas in an oxygenator device, and methods for preparing and using such oxygenator devices. The systems and methods can be used to transfer oxygen to blood to assist lung function in a patient.

Abstract: Methods and materials for making complex, living, vascularized tissues for organ and tissue replacement, especially complex and/or thick structures, such as liver tissue is provided. Tissue lamina is made in a system comprising an apparatus having (a) a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds have means defining microchannels positioned toward the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds are fastened together; and (b) animal cells. Methods for producing complex, three-dimensional tissues or organs from tissue lamina are also provided.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the system is used to monitor how organ systems respond to agents such as toxins or medications. The system enables the precise and controlled delivery of these agents, which, in some implementations, enables the biomimetic dosing of drugs in humans to be mimicked.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for manufacturing and using a cell culture support device. The device includes a plurality of polymer layers, each with at least one flow chamber defined therethrough. The device also includes a cross channel interface between the channels of different polymer layers. The cross channel interface includes a plurality of pores and a topographical pattern that is selected independent of the plurality of pores. Furthermore, the formation of the topographical pattern preservers the pores.

Abstract: Methods and materials for making an apparatus which duplicates the functionality of a physiological system is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a bodily cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a drug supply reservoir to supply drug into a delivery channel and an actuator for delivering the drug to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear. The drug is loaded into the delivery channel while producing substantially negligible flow at an outlet of the delivery channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional system, and compositions obtained therefrom, wherein individual layers of the system comprise channels divided longitudinally into two compartments by a centrally positioned membrane, and wherein each compartment can comprise a different cell type.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures featuring substantially circular channels may be fabricated by embossing polymer sheets.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for a biomimetic flow apparatus. The biomimetic flow apparatus includes a microfluidic flow channel and an inlet in fluid connection with the flow channel for allowing fluid to flow into the flow channel. The flow channel has at least one surface with a topography formed therein. The topography of the at least one surface of the flow channel is selected to cause cells in a cell layer above the surface to achieve an arrangement, behavior, or morphology. The cell arrangement, behavior, or morphology is determined at least in part by the topography of the at least one surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and devices for culturing cells in a biomimetic environment of a cellularized nephron unit, and methods for fabricating and using the cellularized nephron unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously separating or concentrating particles that includes flowing two fluids in laminar flow through a magnetic field gradient which causes target particles to migrate to a waste fluid stream, and collecting each fluid stream after being flowed through the magnetic field gradient.