This thesis delves into the advancement of microfluidic devices tailored for emulating human physiological microenvironments, with a specific focus on refining organ-on-chips and organoid-on-chips (OoCs) system. Conventional methodologies such as animal experimentation and cell cultures often fall short in accurately replicating human physiological responses. In contrast, microfluidic technologies offer a high degree of precision in mimicking organ-specific functions and regulating biochemical environments. Despite the progress made, existing OoCs systems still face unresolved challenges, notably in the retrieval of viable cells for further analysis and the oversimplification of physiological models that hinders precise biological validation.

To tackle these obstacles, this study intro...[ Read more ]

This thesis delves into the advancement of microfluidic devices tailored for emulating human physiological microenvironments, with a specific focus on refining organ-on-chips and organoid-on-chips (OoCs) system. Conventional methodologies such as animal experimentation and cell cultures often fall short in accurately replicating human physiological responses. In contrast, microfluidic technologies offer a high degree of precision in mimicking organ-specific functions and regulating biochemical environments. Despite the progress made, existing OoCs systems still face unresolved challenges, notably in the retrieval of viable cells for further analysis and the oversimplification of physiological models that hinders precise biological validation.

To tackle these obstacles, this study introduces innovative strategies, including reversible bonding techniques to facilitate efficient live cell retrieval, the integration of intricate tumor microenvironments (TME) on chips with detailed immune-TME interactions, and the development of highly intricate OoCs system, particularly vascularized brain organoids. These advancements pave the way for more accurate investigations into disease mechanisms and drug responses within a controlled environment. The research highlights specific applications such as the utilization of reversible bonding in glioblastoma spheroids, the establishment of hepatic tumor environments for studying immune cell dynamics, and the creation of vascularized brain organoids on-chip to explore neurological processes. Each application underscores the potential of microfluidic models to reshape our comprehension of human physiology by offering a more authentic simulation of biological processes.

The significance of this thesis lies in its capacity to enhance the predictive capabilities and translational relevance of OoCs models, thereby fostering more impactful research into human health and diseases.