Topographically-patterned porous membranes in a microfluidic device as an in vitro model of renal reabsorptive barriers
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Abstract:
Models of reabsorptive barriers require both a means to provide realistic physiologic cues to and quantify transport across a layer of cells forming the barrier. Here we have topographically-patterned porous membranes with several user-defined pattern types. To demonstrate the utility of the patterned membranes, we selected one type of pattern and applied it to a membrane to serve as a cell culture support in a microfluidic model of a renal reabsorptive barrier. The topographic cues in the model resemble physiological cues found in vivo while the porous structure allows quantification of transport across the cell layer. Sub-micron surface topography generated via hot-embossing onto a track-etched polycarbonate membrane, fully replicated topographical features and preserved porous architecture. Pore size and shape were analyzed with SEM and image analysis to determine the effect of hot embossing on pore morphology. The membrane was assembled into a bilayer microfluidic device and a human kidney proximal tubule epithelial cell line (HK-2) and primary renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC) were cultured to confluency on the membrane. Immunofluorescent staining of both cell types revealed protein expression indicative of the formation of a reabsorptive barrier responsive to mechanical stimulation: ZO-1 (tight junction), paxillin (focal adhesions) and acetylated α-tubulin (primary cilia). HK-2 and RPTEC aligned in the direction of ridge/groove topography of the membrane in the device, evidence that the device has mechanical control over cell response. This topographically-patterned porous membrane provides an in vitro platform on which to model reabsorptive barriers with meaningful applications for understanding biological transport phenomenon, underlying disease mechanisms, and drug toxicity.Cite
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Digital Microfluidics
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Porous SiC Ceramics with Multiple Pore Structure Fabricated via Gelcasting and Solid State Sintering
Porous SiC ceramics with multiple pore structures were fabricated via gelcasting and solid state sintering.A novel gelling agent of Isobam was applied and PMMA was used as both foam stabilizer and pore forming agent.The mechanical properties of porous SiC ceramics were investigated as functions of PMMA content, rotating speed of ball mill, and sintering temperature.With PMMA content increasing from 5wt% to 20wt%, the foaming effect was inhibited while the stability of bubbles increased.When the rotating speed was 220 r/min, the open porosities of the as-prepared SiC ceramics sintered at 2100 varied ℃ from 51.5% to 72.8%, and compressive strength varied from 7.9 to 48.2 MPa.With the rotating speed increasing from 220 to 280 r/min, the foaming effect was aggravated and the porosities of SiC ceramics sintered at 2100 increased.℃ While the sintering temperature increasing from 2050 to 2150 , ℃ the SiC ceramics prepared with PMMA content of 20wt% at rotating speed of 220 r/min decreased in the open porosities while increased in compressive strength.
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ZrB2 based composites containing 10 vol.-% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are synthesised by spark plasma sintering at temperatures ranging from 1600 to 18008C and at an applied pressure of 25 MPa. The effects of sintering temperature on densification behaviour, microstructural evolutions and mechanical properties are presented. Results indicate that ZrB2-CNT composites fabricated at 16508C have the optimal combination of dense microstructure and properties. The fracture toughness is sensitive to the temperature change and reaches 7.2 MPa m1/2 for the CNT toughened ZrB2 ceramics, which is higher than the measured result for monolithic ZrB2 (3.3 MPa m1/2). The crack deflection and CNT pullout are the dominant toughening mechanisms.
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