Microphysiological platform for live 3d high-resolution imaging of multiple interconnected and interacting microtissues

Microphysiological systems combine microfluidic technology with 3D tissue engineering approaches and enable drug testing under more physiological conditions than classical in vitro testing. A platform was developed, which interconnects up to 10 identical or different spherical microtissues under perfusion conditions. It was designed to enable continuous monitoring of microtissues during drug exposure through high resolution microscopy. Using an automated multi-photon microscope, image stacks featuring single-cell resolution of cancer microtissues with a diameter of 240 μm could be acquired. Combining high-spatiotemporal-resolution imaging with sophisticated pumping schemes that can produce realistic pharmacokinetic drug profiles offers the potential to develop and optimize cancer treatment strategies .