(472h) Extension of Multilayered Film Technology for Trans Endothelial Electrical Resistance Into Microfluidic Systems

The expansion of Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance measurements into microfluidic systems using multilayered film technology has many beneficial applications due to their ability to combine complex three dimensional structures with fluidic and electronic functions.  Under physiological conditions, endothelial cells are augmented to align in the direction of flow.  Multilayered film technology allows for Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance measurements to be obtained under these natural conditions.  The goal of the current study was to develop a simple multilayered film device that will take Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance measurements onto flow adapted endothelial cells.  This study examined two possible multilayered film technologies: Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic materials and Cyclo-Olefin Polymers.  The use of Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic materials quickly gives a durable, rigid substrate with a high precision, reproducible fabrication technique.  The use of Cyclo-Olefin Polymers allows for simple viewing of the cells within the channel of the device throughout experiments.  Results have demonstrated that human umbilical vein endothelial cells grow and reach confluency in the simple Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance devices composed of each material.  Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance measurements generated from the devices as a function of cell growth and treatment with permeability-altering agents will be presented.