Optimal design of cell culture chip on the basis of oxygen and glucose supply to cultivated cells in the chip

In this study, we discuss diffusion based oxygen and glucose supplies in cell culture chips of three different setups, where cells are regularly arranged and cultivated, using oxygen and glucose transport models on the basis of the previous work. In the first setup, oxygen is continuously supplied through a gas-permeable wall equipped with the chip, but glucose is supplied only at the start. In this case, the life span of the cultivated cells is governed by the balance between the initial amount and the consumption rate of glucose. Secondly, a setup, where oxygen and glucose are continuously supplied through a semi-permeable membrane, is discussed. In this case, oxygen supply is so critical that the membrane must be well designed. Finally, a setup with reserves for glucose supply, where oxygen is supplied through a gas-permeable wall, is discussed. In this case, we can find an optimal thickness of the medium filled in the cell culture chamber because an increase in the thickness is advantageous to glucose supply but is contrary disadvantageous to oxygen supply. In all cases, cautious design of a cell chip is needed, if the consumption rates of the cultivated cells for oxygen and glucose are higher than 10 g m−3 s−1, which are very likely for hepatocytes.