Microfluidic multi-tissue platform for systemic embryotoxicity testing along the maternal-placental-embryonic axis

Abstract

A microfluidic co-culture platform for systemic embryotoxicity testing along the maternal-placental-embryonic axis is presented. We advanced the hanging-drop network (HDN) technology by combining a 2D placental barrier with 3D embryoid bodies (EBs) in immediate vicinity in a single microfluidic network. In contrast to previous approaches, the newly developed platform does not only allow for studying effects of direct toxicity on the individual tissue models but also enables the investigation of indirect embryotoxicity effects, mediated by factors secreted by the placental tissue. © 2021 MicroTAS 2021 - 25th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences. All rights reserved.