BLOC: buildable and linkable organ on a chip

Abstract

Microphysiological systems (MPSs) are attractive alternatives to animal experiments in physiology, pathophysiology, and drug development. However, conventional MPSs are designed for specific applications and have low versatility and scalability. Here, we developed a "Buildable and Linkable Organ on a Chip" (BLOC) to construct diverse MPSs. The Culture, Control, and Analysis BLOCs were standardized to the same size and linked using inlet/outlet joints for perfusion. Radiation-induced chemical reactions were used to suppress the adsorption and absorption of small hydrophobic molecules by BLOCs composed of polydimethylsiloxane. BLOCs for 2D/3D culture could also encapsulate radiation-crosslinked protein hydrogels with designed stiffness and microtopography to mimic the microenvironment in vivo. A perfusion device connecting Culture BLOCs was designed for a toxicity assay mimicking the systemic circulation using six types of organoids. An automatic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay device connecting Culture, Control, and Analysis BLOCs detected proteins released from organoids. BLOCs, which users can freely configure to suit their needs, is expected to become powerful tools in basic research and preclinical trials using MPSs.