Biomaterials for MEMS

Chapter Five

Hydrogel-Based Microfluidic

Cell Culture

Michael C. W. Chen and Karen C. Cheung

∗

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia,

2332 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

∗

E-mail: [e-mail]

Microfluidic technology provides the tools for creating more in vivo-like environments

for cell culture by permitting precise control of chemical concentration gradients,

shear rates, and geometry, among other parameters. Hydrogels, which create a

three-dimensional environment, are now increasingly used to encapsulate cells for

on-chip incubation. As porous polymer networks, hydrogels allow the transport

of nutrients and waste away from embedded cells, and the gel network can also

include specific adhesive proper ...