MICROFLUIDIC CHIP FABRICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NERVE-ON-CHIP MODEL

Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) devices, referred to as “tissue-chips,” or “micro-physiological systems” (MPS), are microfabricated devices that mimic the properties and physiological functions of complex tissues or specific organs in vitro [2]. Additionally, microfluidics has significant advantages over working on a macro scale, including increased efficiency, lower cost, and increased control of volume and other experimental parameters [1]. Extensive research has demonstrated the potential of microfluidic platforms in recreating tissue-specific microenvironments, enabling precise manipulation of cellular processes, and providing valuable insights into disease mechanisms and drug responses. Building on these advancements, the development of novel microfluidic systems tailored for neural applications has gained increasing attention. To address this need, a microfluidic chip featuring a two-channel design has been fabricated to facilitate controlled cell culture conditions and dynamic fluid flow, essential for replicating neural tissue environments. The chip is produced using soft lithography techniques with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a material known for its biocompatibility and design flexibility. The fabrication process consists of several key stages, including photolithography to create a master mold, PDMS casting and curing, plasma bonding for channel sealing, and surface treatment to improve hydrophilicity. Each stage is meticulously optimized to ensure reproducibility and dimensional accuracy in the final device. Current efforts are directed towards refining the chip’s surface properties to enhance cell adhesion and viability, paving the way for future biological applications. This research contributes to the advancement of in vitro neurological models, with potential applications in neurodegenerative disease studies and personalized medicine. The integration of microfluidic technology with nerve cell models offers a promising platform for investigating neural dynamics and therapeutic strategies.