Figure 1. SEM bone, rotten trabeculae (osteoporosis). Credit: David Gregory & Debbie Marshall. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).

BONE-ON-A-CHIP PACK

Easily mimic the complex bone physiology and extracellular environment

CONTROL COMPLEX MICROENVIRONMENTS

More relevance and controllability than traditional models

UP TO 3-WEEK LONG CELL CULTURES

Continuous and controlled supply of nutrients in a stable flow

FAIL-SAFE MECHANISM

Stop losing your cell experiment due to clogging

PLUG-AND-PLAY PLATFORM

Beginner friendly pack with detailed user guide

Bone-on-a-chip advantages over traditional models

**Mimic in vivo complex microenvironment**

The bone is one of the most complex organs in the body. It operates in a fine balance between osteocytes and osteoclasts, with the former synthesizing new bone and the latter resorbing it [1]. Therefore, cell-to-cell interaction, either through ligand-receptor binding or ionic gradients, is a major component of bone physiology.

However, reproducing it in traditional cell culture models is challenging because of the large volumes and dimensions of the systems, besides being poorly controlled. Culturing bone cells on a chip address precisely these limitations.

Modulate the extracellular matrix

Bone cells are organized around osteons, cylindrical structures parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone, housing blood vessels and innervations [1].

They are hard to reproduce in traditional cell cultures but are easily integrated into microfluidic chips, such as the Pillar Chips (Fluidic 261) of ChipShop, increasing the morphological relevance of the model.

References

1. Mansoorifar, A., Gordon, R., Bergan, R. C., Bertassoni, L. E., Bone-on-a-Chip: Microfluidic Technologies and Microphysiologic Models of Bone Tissue. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2021, 31, 2006796. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202006796

Bone-on-a-chip setup

We have assembled all the components to perform a successful bone cell culture on a chip. The setup displayed below has two main functions: 1) the continuous and stable perfusion and recirculation of media for a highly controlled microenvironment; 2) the fail-safe mechanism to ensure the preservation of the experiment in case of clogging. Also, the bone-on-a-chip Pack can be adjusted according to your application.

The bone-on-a-chip pack contains:

OB1 MK4 flow controller (Elveflow)
Microfluidic flow sensor (eg. Galileo)
Valves
Level sensors
Fittings, tubings & luers
Reservoirs
Microfluidic chip for bone cell culture (suggestion: ChipShop’s Fluidic 261)
Software (Galileo user interface)
User guides for instruments

This pack can also be adapted to be used with our automated cell culture platform.

In case of applications requiring fluid injection to test the effects of drugs, for example, a rotary valve can be added to the setup.

Bone-on-a-chip applications

To investigate osteogenesis, Bahmaee et al. designed a microfluidic bone-on-a-chip with pillars made of a functional material, PolyHIPES [1]. The authors cultured human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (hES-MPs) for 3 weeks and tested different flow rates and profiles to assess metabolic activity, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralized matrix deposition.

Their results show the influence of shear stress on gene expression and cellular behavior. For example, an intermittent flow profile promotes cell differentiation and enhances mineralized matrix deposition. The functionalized material of the microfluidic chip was also shown to be appropriate, with cells interacting with the surface and covering its full extent, as shown below.

Bahmaee 2020 bone on chip — Representative fluorescence and confocal microscopy and histological sections of hES-MPs seeded in the bone microfluidic chip in OIM with the intermittent flow profile. Yellow lines demarcate the edge of the pillars. Live CellTrackerTM images on (A) day 1 and (B) day 3 taken through the PDMS chamber. (C–F) Day 14 confocal images of nuclei stained with DAPI (blue) and actin with phalloidin-TRITC (red). Individual color channels and composite shown. The control was not autofluorescent, hence it appears black. Cells are present throughout the channels and pillar walls. (G) Low magnification and (H) high magnification 8 μm histology section stained with H&E stain. Cells can be seen throughout the channels to the height of the pillars, as well as within the interconnected porous network of the polyHIPE bulk material. Reproduced from Bahmaee et al, 2020 [1].

Check out our other organ-on-chip packs

Gut-on-a-chip

Blood-brain barrier on-a-chip

We have recently published a review of the different organ-on-a-chip models and current innovations.

References

1. Bahmaee H, Owen R, Boyle L, Perrault CM, Garcia-Granada AA, Reilly GC and Claeyssens F (2020) Design and Evaluation of an Osteogenesis-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device Incorporating 3D Cell Culture. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 8:557111. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.557111

Customize your pack

Our packs are highly customizable, so you can use the extra flexibility to adapt them to your specific needs. Our microfluidic specialists will advise you on the best instruments and accessories depending on your needs and will accompany you during the setup of the microfluidic platform.

– Check our other Packs for various applications –

Can I order a pack?

Since Packs are products that are still being developed, we have a few eligibility criteria to maximize their success rate. A discussion with our experts is needed to determine your specific needs to offer you a personalized response.

Is the setup sterilizable?

Yes, we have developed a simple protocol for sterilization and cleaning that is provided along with the user guide.

Can a pack be customized based on my specific application?

Yes! Our experts will establish which instruments are best suited for your application, such as the type of flow sensor or the number of flow controller channels you need to perform your experiment. Contact us using the “talk to our experts” green button above.

Can I buy individual instruments?

You can order the instruments on the product section of our website.

Funding and Support

The LIFESAVER project helped develop this pack. This project is funded by the European Union’s H2020-LC-GD-2020-3, grant agreement No. 101036702 (LIFESAVER).