细胞培养是进行细胞研究的基础, 为了在细胞体外培养时提供一种近似于体内的微环境, 设计了一种可供细胞三维动态培养的微器件。首先设计了用于输运流体的微通道网络, 培养池对称布置于微通道网络中, 通过一系列“多进多出”型微通道分别与进样口和出样口相连。利用Comsol软件中的层流物理场和多孔介质物理场耦合对培养池内的流场进行仿真, 通过比较流场的均一性和稳定性优化微通道网络结构。然后, 采用静电直写技术在培养池内集成聚己内酯(PCL)三维支架, 构建细胞三维培养空间。最后, 封合微器件, 检测微器件培养池内的流体流动情况, 并进行细胞实验。实验结果表明, “2×2”型微器件培养池内的流体稳定性和均一性较好; PCL三维支架的纤维间距400 μm, 纤维直径80 μm, 孔隙率64%, 细胞存活率达到90%以上。该细胞三维动态培养微器件更好地模拟了生物体内细胞生存所需的微环境, 培养池内的细胞生长良好, 满足设计要求。

Cell culture is the basis of cell research. In order to provide an approximate microenvironment for cell culture, a micro-device for three-dimensional and dynamic cell culture was designed. First, a micro-channel network was designed for transportation of liquid. The cell culture chamber was symmetrically arranged in the micro-channel network. A series of “multiple input and multiple output” micro-channels were connected with the inlet and outlet of the cell culture chamber. Second, the physical fields of laminar and porous media in the COMSOL software were coupled, which was used to simulate the velocity of the liquid in the cell culture chamber of the micro-device. The network structure of micro-channels was optimized by comparing the homogeneity and stability of the flow field. Third, the electrohydrodynamic direct-writing technology was used to integrate polycaprolactone (PCL) three-dimensional scaffolds in the cell culture chamber, which constructed the three-dimensional culture space. Finally, after the welding of the micro-device, the fluid flow condition in the cell culture chamber of the micro-device was tested, and cell experiments were performed. The results show that the fluid stability and homogeneity in the cell culture chamber of a “2×2” micro-device are appropriate. The fiber spacing of the three-dimensional scaffolds is 400 μm, the diameter is 80 μm, and the porosity is 64%. Besides, the cell survival rate is more than 90%. The micro-device, which can be used for three-dimensional dynamic cell culture, precisely simulates the microenvironment needed for the survival of cells in vivo. Cells in the culturing chamber grew well; therefore, the micro-device can satisfy the design requirements.