APPLICATIONS
Microfluidic Cell Culture and Perfusion
Cells grown in a static dish live in conditions nothing like the body. Microfluidic cell culture continuously perfuses cells with fresh media under controlled flow, creating more realistic models. Here is how and why.
What is microfluidic cell culture?
Cells are cultured inside micro-channels or chambers and continuously fed by a controlled flow of media. This perfusion removes waste, supplies nutrients and oxygen, and applies physiologically relevant shear and chemical cues — unlike a static well plate.
Why perfusion matters
- Realistic environment — controlled flow reproduces the shear and gradients cells feel in tissue.
- Stable conditions — fresh media keeps nutrients and pH steady.
- Long-term culture — supports 3D spheroids and organoids.
From cell culture to organ-on-a-chip
Perfused microfluidic culture is the foundation of organ-on-a-chip systems, which add tissue interfaces and mechanical forces to model whole organs for drug testing.
Material considerations
PDMS is popular for research because it is gas-permeable, but it can absorb small molecules — a factor when moving to thermoplastics for reproducible or commercial work (see surface treatment for coatings).
Frequently asked questions
What is microfluidic cell culture?
Growing cells inside microchannels or chambers under a continuous, controlled flow of media (perfusion), creating conditions closer to the body than a static dish.
Why use perfusion for cell culture?
Perfusion supplies fresh nutrients and oxygen, removes waste, keeps conditions stable, and applies physiologically relevant shear and chemical gradients.
How does microfluidic cell culture relate to organ-on-a-chip?
It is the foundation — organ-on-a-chip adds tissue interfaces and mechanical forces on top of perfused microfluidic culture to model whole organs.
Culture that mimics the body
Building a cell-culture or perfusion chip?
From gas-permeable PDMS to scalable thermoplastics, we make the chip for your model. Upload a design for a quote, or book a call.
Europe · North America · Singapore · Shipping worldwide
Reply by email within 1 working day · Tue / Thu 10:30–15:00 UK for calls