Why Microfluidics Needs a New Flow
Microfluidic technologies have transformed biomedical research, especially with the rise of organ-on-chip (OOC) systems. These platforms mimic human physiology better than traditional cell cultures or animal models, offering more predictive insights for drug development. But one critical challenge remains: how do we study circulating immune cells—like T cells and monocytes—interacting with tissues over time?
Enter hiFlow, a groundbreaking open microfluidic platform designed to simulate the dynamic environment of the human bloodstream. It enables long-term co-culturing of immune cells and 3D microtissues, unlocking new possibilities for immunotherapy research and personalized medicine.
What Makes hiFlow Different?
Unlike conventional systems that rely on pumps or static cultures, hiFlow uses gravity-driven, bi-directional flow created by tilting the chip. This simple yet powerful mechanism keeps immune cells in suspension, mimicking their natural circulation and preventing sedimentation.
Key Features:
- Pump-free operation using hydrostatic pressure
- Modular chip design compatible with standard lab equipment
- Supports high-resolution imaging for real-time monitoring
- Parallelization for up to 32 simultaneous assays
- Minimized cell adhesion with hydrophilic coatings
Proven Performance with PBMCs
The platform was tested using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)—a diverse mix of immune cells including T cells, B cells, NK cells, and monocytes. Over six days of perfusion, PBMCs maintained high viability and stable population ratios, outperforming static cultures.
Even more impressive: when stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies, T cells expanded significantly under perfusion, demonstrating the platform’s potential for adoptive T cell therapy testing.
Applications and Impact
hiFlow opens new doors for:
- Cancer immunotherapy screening
- Drug efficacy and toxicity testing
- Immune cell behavior studies
- Personalized medicine assays
Its ability to replicate systemic circulation and maintain cell-tissue interactions over time makes it a powerful tool for researchers aiming to understand complex immune responses.
Ready for the Future of Microfluidics
With its scalable design, compatibility with industrial standards, and robust performance, hiFlow is poised to become a staple in advanced microfluidic research. Whether you’re exploring immuno-oncology or developing next-gen biologics, this platform offers the physiological relevance and flexibility you need.
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