posted on 2018-08-07, 00:00authored byCody Narciso, David Hoelzle, Jeremiah Zartman, Siyuan Zhang
A microfluidic device for evaluating a tissue sample can include a tissue chamber, a liquid inlet channel, a liquid outlet channel, and at least one of components (1)-(3). The tissue chamber can be defined by a plurality of walls, at least one of which is transparent. The liquid inlet and outlet channels can be in fluid communication with the tissue chamber. Components (1)-(3) can include: (1) a deformable membrane disposed within the tissue chamber and being configured to oscillate, upon application of pressure thereto, to mechanically compress the tissue sample; (2) first and second electrodes disposed about the tissue chamber and being configured such that delivery of electrical energy thereto creates an electrical gradient across the tissue chamber; and (3) at least one deformable wall, which partially defines the tissue chamber and is configured to stretch either uniaxially or biaxially upon application of negative pressure to the tissue chamber.