Lung-on-a-Chip

Abstract

Lung-on-Chip (LoC) are devices that give cells a habitat in vitro that tries to more nearly imitate their natural environment in vivo. This microscale bio-mimetic device is designed to replicate essential features of the human lung within a controlled environment. While advancements in microfluidic technology have been substantial, the lung-on-chip devices presents distinctive challenges. This research mainly deals with eliminating the shortcomings like leakage of the culture media through the cover slips due to improper sealing and detachment of the cover slip. Through an iterative approach during manufacturing and incorporating refinements based on experimental findings, a modified device is designed and fabricated which eliminates the previous shortcomings and ensures miniaturisation. The design includes a clamping mechanism using magnetism and provides enough force to ensure no leakage through the cover slip and avoid its detachment while ensuring precise testing of the device in microscale. The devised clamping mechanism successfully provides a reliable solution for sustaining proper sealing and functionality in Lung-on-Chip microfluidic devices.