DRUG TOXICITY TESTING ON CHIPS

Abstract

Miniaturization can expand the capability of existing bioassays. I have developed a multi-channel microfluidic perfusion platform for culturing zebrafish embryos and capturing live images of various tissues and organs inside the embryo. The ¿Fish and Chips¿ were micro-fabricated in silicon and glass for reproducibility and accuracy of the microfluidic structure. The fluidic gradient generator supports dose-dependent drug and chemical studies. A unique perfusion system ensures a uniform and constant flow of media to the fish tank while the wastes are efficiently removed. The embryos showed developmental abnormalities under the influence of the drug Valproic acid. I have also developed another device called ¿Gratings on a dish¿ which utilizes the micro/nanogrooved surface to culture mammalian cells and align them. Relevant cell types like cardiomyocytes and neuronal cells can be cultured and aligned on the gratings for better physiology and consequently for drug testing.