Abstract: Embodiments disclose a fluidic device. Said device has first and second layers that are configured to be coupled together via magnetic attraction to form a cavity. An embodiment defines an apical layer and a basal layer and a membrane therebetween within the cavity. Another embodiment of the fluidic device comprises a port positioned in optical arrangement with the internal cavity for optical observation of fluids or activities therein. These embodiments provide improvements to organ-on-chip (OoC) scalability, assembly and disassembly as well as cell observation with low disturbance to the culture inside the cavity.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for culturing cells in a 3-dimensional (3-D) arrangement are disclosed. A microfluidic device includes a plurality of layers including a first layer defining a first chamber for holding a first cell culture, a second layer defining a second chamber for holding a second cell culture, and channel layers defining channels. The first and second chambers are fluidically coupled and enable the first cell culture and the second cell culture to grow in the 3-D environment. A porous membrane is positioned between the first and second layers to enable interfacing between the first cell culture and the second cell culture. The channels are fluidically coupled with the first chamber or the second chamber to enable passage of fluids with respect to the cells cultured. The microfluidic device enables development of more physiologically accurate models of complex tissues or organs for basic science research or drug development.