Integrating Cell Sheets for Organ-on-a-chip Applications

To improve on attrition rates during drug development due to nephrotoxicity, a better in vitro model of the kidney is needed. We demonstrate a model of the kidney proximal tubule in which a sheet of proximal tubule epithelial cells is fixed as a membrane separating two fluid chambers without the presence of a supporting membrane. Cell sheets were prepared using a Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm) temperature responsive surface and a bespoke bioreactor was constructed using a 3D printer to produce an appropriate mould. Cell sheets were suspended using a fibronectin functionalized surface seeded with cells. Further testing is needed to determine viability in bioreactor.