Subtractive Methods for Forming Microfluidic Gels of Extracellular Matrix Proteins

Microfluidic networks in extracellular matrix hydrogels hold great promise in tissue engineering. We have established two methods for forming microscale channels within collagen and fibrin gels. Both methods rely on molding gels around removable elements: stainless steel needles for creating single channels and gelatin meshes for forming networks of interconnected channels. These methods can form single channels 50 µm or more in diameter or networks 6 µm or more in width, at a rate of 5 to 10 samples per day. Potential applications include using microfluidic gels for engineering microvascular networks, perfusing cultured cells within native scaffolds, and controlling interstitial flows in cell culture models.