Microfluidic Organ Chip for In Vitro Model of Blood Glucose Monitoring and Regulation

• Main Authors: Wu Yingqiang, Wu Guo, Fu Pengcheng, Hu Meng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2020-01-01
• Series: E3S Web of Conferences
• Online Access: https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2020/78/e3sconf_iseese2020_04029.pdf

This study is based on our iGEM (international genetically engineered machine) 2019 competition project in which an in vitro model was established to simulate the human monitoring and regulation of blood glucose level using the “liver-on-a-chip” and a genetically engineered bacterium capable of producing proinsulin efficiently. The microfluidic device is able to accommodate cellular chassis loaded with biological parts for diabetic treatment. In addition, electrochemical biosensors were designed to detect the differential glucose concentration from the both chambers of the organ chip. The model can test different chemicals and organs, when the components in the channels and cells are altered. We have thus accomplished an in vitro model of how the proinsulin generated by engineered bacteria works on liver cells. In the near future, our research paradigm will be shifted to bacterial implantation in the human intestines to replace pancreas for the automatic secretion of insulin for diabetic patients.