Organ-on-chip (OoC) technology has transformed biomedical research by providing a platform to simulate physiological conditions for drug development and disease modeling. Incubator-free OoC systems offer notable advantages over traditional approaches, including enhanced adaptability and impermeability to gases. Nevertheless, achieving precise oxygen regulation remains a challenge in such systems. This thesis investigates the application of femtosecond (Fs) laser ablation to fabricate a glass microfluidic gas exchange system for accurate oxygen regulation in incubator-free OoCs.
Through successful engraving of fluidic channels and integration of an off-the-shelf optical oxygen sensor, this study highlights the efficacy of Fs laser technology in the rapid prototyping of intricate glass microfluidic devices. Despite encountering challenges such as dimensional losses and debris clogging, the study presents a functional gas exchanger prototype. Future research directions include optimization efforts, addressing issues like gas permeation through connectors, and testing under physiological conditions to further advance OoC technology.

Current technology of Organ-on-Chips allows investigation of human cells outside the body including a microfluidic medium flow. Control of oxygen in this microfluidic flow is required to mimic the situation as in the human liver (physiological) or to create temporary low oxygen concentrations (hypoxia). In this research, a gas exchanger module is designed for liver-on-a-chip cell experiments at the Erasmus MC. Based on prototype tests and COMSOL simulations, the gas exchanger module is designed and integrated with a commercial Micronit microfluidic channel. The functioning of the fabricated gas exchanger is validated by measuring an oxygen gradient as well as performing oxygen consumption measurements on a liver cell layer.