Flow-IMPACT: A Pumpless, High-Throughput 3D Cell Culture Platform for Investigation of Synergistic Angiogenic Effects

Abstract

Flow-IMPACT is a pioneering 3D dynamic cell culture chip array, meticulously designed as an injection-molded plastic platform. This novel design achieves pumpless, physiologically relevant flow conditions with high throughput, effectively addressing the flow control limitations of traditional pumpless-based systems. Incorporating serpentine channel structures engineered for hydraulic resistance and microfluidic hydrogel patterning, the platform allows precise regulation of interstitial flow velocity through adjustments in hydrogel concentrations and medium height levels. Hydrodynamic evaluations confirm that fluid flow velocities within Flow-IMPACT closely replicate physiological in vivo conditions (0-2 mu m s-1). The results indicate that interstitial flow within this physiological range enhances angiogenesis by increasing vessel length and branching. Furthermore, the flow applies fluid forces to endothelial cells, offering directional guidance to neovessels. The device demonstrates that the synergistic manipulation of flow and biochemical factors by stromal cells significantly influences angiogenesis. Flow-IMPACT, as a pumpless dynamic cell culture system, supports high-throughput experiments under controlled conditions and holds significant potential for applications across various organ and tissue microenvironments.