Abstract: A microfluidic system including a number of microfluidic devices having a first perfusion path and a second separate perfusion path; the microfluidic devices each also having a chamber containing a matrix, where the matrix surrounds at least one void whose lumen is in fluidic connection exclusively with the first perfusion path, where the at least one void is populated with at least one cell type in such way that the cells are in direct contact with the matrix; where the matrix is in fluidic connection exclusively with the second separate perfusion path. The microfluidic devices are integrated onto a platform; and each of the microfluidic devices mimics at least a partial organ module.

Abstract: Vascularizing cell aggregates or tissue segments in a microfluidic device by filling a chamber within the device with a matrix that allows for endothelial sprouting; creating at least three voids within the matrix, of which at least two outer voids are lumenally connected to separate perfusion paths within the device and at least one additional void is positioned in between the at least two outer voids; endothelializing the at least two outer voids; introducing at least one cell type, matrix material, tissue segment, or combinations thereof into the void between the two outer voids; and using vascular growth factors to induce the endothelial cells to sprout into the matrix until the at least three voids are interconnected by endothelial sprouts.

Abstract: A method for the creation of endothelial parent vessels from human vascular endothelial cells in vitro in a culture perfusion device (CPD) including a collagen chamber, inlet ports, a capillary tube, and an outlet port. A collagen solution is injected into the collagen chamber through a syringe needle until the chamber is filled with collagen. The CPD is perfused by filling the inlet ports and sequentially priming the inlet ports, and the outlet ports. A perfusable channel is created in the collagen chamber and a concentrated suspension of endothelial cells is injected into the inlet ports. The endothelial cells are injected into the at least one perfusable channel and incubated to attach to the walls of the perfusable channel. The cells are distributed within the CPD; and perfused to form a parent vessel having homogeneous monolayers of cells.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for generating compartmentalized microenvironments of tissues and organs in vitro and for independently perfusing the compartments. A microfluidic device that includes at least a first perfusion path and a second separate perfusion path. The microfluidic device also has a chamber containing a matrix, where the matrix surrounds at least one void whose lumen is in fluidic connection exclusively with the first perfusion path, where the at least one void can be populated with at least one cell type in such way that the cells are in direct contact with the matrix and the matrix is in fluidic connection exclusively with the second separate perfusion path.

Abstract: Creating a tissue structure in vitro includes juxtaposing mandrels on a culture/perfusion device frame where the mandrels are spaced apart substantially parallel to each other and connecting the mandrels to tubes including an upstream tubes and downstream tubes. The upstream tubes are connected with an upstream manifold and the downstream tubes are connected to a downstream manifold. The frame and the mandrels are sterilized, coated and seeded with cells that multiply and form circular layers around each of the mandrels until the circular layers merge into a tissue structure which is subjected to a growth medium. The mandrels are extracted and the tissue structure is perfused.

Abstract: A method for creating networks of perfusable microvessels in vitro. Cells including cell types capable of sprouting are seeded 1300 into a channel in a matrix at to activate competency 1304 of the cells for sprouting as microvessels based on the seeding density. The matrix channel is perfused with medium to allow parent vessels to form and for viability 1324. The parent vessels and matrix are incubated and perfused to provide for sprouting of microvessels from parent vessels into the surrounding matrix 1328. The sprouting parent vessels are grown until network forms 1332.

Abstract: A method for the creation of endothelial parent vessels from human vascular endothelial cells in vitro in a culture perfusion device (CPD) including a collagen chamber, inlet ports, a capillary tube, and an outlet port. A collagen solution is injected into the collagen chamber through a syringe needle until the chamber is filled with collagen. The CPD is perfused by filling the inlet ports and sequentially priming the inlet ports, and the outlet ports. A perfusable channel is created in the collagen chamber and a concentrated suspension of endothelial cells is injected into the inlet ports. The endothelial cells are injected into the at least one perfusable channel and incubated to attach to the walls of the perfusable channel. The cells are distributed within the CPD; and perfused to form a parent vessel having homogeneous monolayers of cells.

Abstract: A method for creating networks of perfusable microvessels in vitro. A mandrel is drawn through a matrix to form a channel through the matrix. Cells are injected into the channel. The matrix is incubated to allow the cells to attach inside the channel. The channel is perfused to remove unattached cells to create a parent vessel, where the parent vessel includes a perfusable hollow channel lined with cells in the matrix. The parent vessel is induced to create sprouts into the surrounding matrix gel so as to form a microvessel network. The microvessel network is subjected to luminal perfusion through the parent vessel.

Abstract: A method for creating networks of perfusable microvessels in vitro. Cells including cell types capable of sprouting are seeded 1300 into a channel in a matrix at to activate competency 1304 of the cells for sprouting as microvessels based on the seeding density. The matrix channel is perfused with medium to allow parent vessels to form and for viability 1324. The parent vessels and matrix are incubated and perfused to provide for sprouting of microvessels from parent vessels into the surrounding matrix 1328. The sprouting parent vessels are grown until network forms 1332.

Abstract: Creating a tissue structure in vitro includes juxtaposing mandrels on a culture/perfusion device frame where the mandrels are spaced apart substantially parallel to each other and connecting the mandrels to tubes including an upstream tubes and downstream tubes. The upstream tubes are connected with an upstream manifold and the downstream tubes are connected to a downstream manifold. The frame and the mandrels are sterilized, coated and seeded with cells that multiply and form circular layers around each of the mandrels until the circular layers merge into a tissue structure which is subjected to a growth medium. The mandrels are extracted and the tissue structure is perfused.