Abstract: The current invention relates to an improved method for measuring modulating effects of compounds on epithelial cell barrier function. The methods allows for high throughput screening of test compounds individually or in combination. Compounds improving the epithelial barrier function or compounds negatively influencing epithelial barrier function can be analyzed with the method described herein.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a microfluidic network is described. The device comprises a base, a microfluidic channel and a cover, and the base comprises a diaphragm forming at least part of an inner surface of the microfluidic channel. The device finds use in methods for assessing mechanical strain induced in or by cells, such methods also being described.

Abstract: A device for performing electrical measurements, for example electrical activity across a layer of epithelial cells are disclosed. The device comprises a cassette having first and second surfaces, the cassette configured to engage with a microtiter plate and comprising a plurality of electrodes extending from the first surface in the direction of the microtiter plate when the cassette is engaged with the microtiter plate; and a housing detachably attached to the second surface of the cassette, comprising one or more heat management elements, and a processor comprising a data acquisition module electrically connected to the electrodes and a data processing module. A method of in vitro method for measuring electrical properties of cells cultured in a microfluidic device, for example using the device is also described.

Abstract: A method of vascularising a cell aggregate on a microfluidic device, microfluidic cell culture devices comprising perfusable vascular networks and kits and assays using the microfluidic cell culture devices are described. The microfluidic devices comprise one or more capillary pressure barriers allowing for formation of an extracellular matrix gel within a confined area of the network, in which cells can be cultured for different uses.

Abstract: Microfluidic plate comprising a plurality of microfluidic networks and inlets providing access to the microfluidic networks, wherein each microfluidic network comprises a capillary pressure barrier and extends through a first plane, each inlet is formed by an inlet chamber having a bottom surface, a support structure is provided above each inlet, which support structure defines an opening and comprises at least one support member positioned at the opening such that a circle can be defined in a second plane extending parallel to the first plane, which circle has the largest possible diameter while being completely located within the opening and in contact with the at least one support member, and the support structure is configured such that a first empty space is formed, which first empty space extends from the second plane towards the inlet chamber and has the form of a right circular cone or a truncated right circle cone, wherein the circle forms a base plane of the right circular cone or the truncated righ

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for inducing flow of a fluid in a microfluidic device that comprises at least one microfluidic channel, the apparatus comprising: a base, on which said microfluidic device is pivotally disposed, defining a first position in a first plane (I); and a selectively operable tilting element attached to said base, to pivot the microfluidic device with respect to the base, thereby inducing fluid flow through the at least one microfluidic channel; wherein the base accommodates the microfluidic device in a first position defining a first plane, wherein the tilting element pivots the microfluidic device from the first position to a second position defining a second plane (II), and wherein the microfluidic device is tilted about a pivoting axis bisecting the first plane, thereby defining an inclination angle ? between the first plane and second plane.