A versatile microfluidic tool for the 3D culture of HepaRG cells seeded at various stages of differentiation

The development of livers-on-a-chip aims to provide pharmaceutical companies with reliable systems to perform drug screening and toxicological studies. To that end, microfluidic systems are engineered to mimic the functions and architecture of this organ. In this context we have designed a device that reproduces series of liver microarchitectures, each permitting the 3D culture of hepatocytes by confining them to a chamber that is separated from the medium conveying channel by very thin slits. We modified the structure to ensure its compatibility with the culture of hepatocytes from different sources. Our device was adapted to the migratory and adhesion properties of HepaRG cells at various stages of differentiation. To prevent hepatoblast-like cells from migrating out of the chambers, the slit height was decreased and the medium flow rate increased. Maintaining already differentiated and less adherent cells within the chambers required desensitisation of the system to pressure variations. Using this device, it was possible to keep the cells alive for more than 14 days, during which they achieved a 3D organisation and acquired or maintained their differentiation into hepatocytes. With its multiple micro-chambers for hepatocyte culture, this microfluidic device architecture offers a promising opportunity to provide new tools for drug screening applications.