Microfluidic cell culture systems for drug research

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

377 Scopus Citations
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Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)939-956
Journal / PublicationLab on a Chip
Volume10
Issue number8
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

In pharmaceutical research, an adequate cell-based assay scheme to efficiently screen and to validate potential drug candidates in the initial stage of drug discovery is crucial. In order to better predict the clinical response to drug compounds, a cell culture model that is faithful to in vivo behavior is required. With the recent advances in microfluidic technology, the utilization of a microfluidic-based cell culture has several advantages, making it a promising alternative to the conventional cell culture methods. This review starts with a comprehensive discussion on the general process for drug discovery and development, the role of cell culture in drug research, and the characteristics of the cell culture formats commonly used in current microfluidic-based, cell-culture practices. Due to the significant differences in several physical phenomena between microscale and macroscale devices, microfluidic technology provides unique functionality, which is not previously possible by using traditional techniques. In a subsequent section, the niches for using microfluidic-based cell culture systems for drug research are discussed. Moreover, some critical issues such as cell immobilization, medium pumping or gradient generation in microfluidic-based, cell-culture systems are also reviewed. Finally, some practical applications of microfluidic-based, cell-culture systems in drug research particularly those pertaining to drug toxicity testing and those with a high-throughput capability are highlighted. © 2010 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

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Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Citation Format(s)

Microfluidic cell culture systems for drug research. / Wu, Min-Hsien; Huang, Song-Bin; Lee, Gwo-Bin.
In: Lab on a Chip, Vol. 10, No. 8, 2010, p. 939-956.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review