Abstract: Microfluidic devices for sterilizing fluids using pulsed electric fields are disclosed. In some embodiments, a device may include first and second electrode layers and a spacer layer positioned between the electrode layers. The spacer layer may define one or more fluid channels extending between the electrode layers. A power supply may be coupled to the electrode layers and configured to supply voltage pulses to the electrode layers to generate electric field pulses within the fluid channels. In some embodiments, the electrode layers may be textured such that the electric fields generated in the fluid channels are non-uniform.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is directed to sustaining a complex microbial community in direct and indirect contact with living human intestinal cells in vitro. The device includes a first microchannel having cultured cells of a human intestinal epithelium and microbiota, the first microchannel further having a first level of oxygen. The device further includes a second microchannel having cultured cells of a vascular endothelium, the second microchannel further having a second level of oxygen. The device also includes a membrane located at an interface region between the first microchannel and the second microchannel, the membrane being composed of an oxygen-permeable material or further having pores via which oxygen flows between the first microchannel and the second microchannel to form a physiologically-relevant oxygen gradient.