A modular platform for automated organoid culture and longitudinal imaging
Sebastián Torres, Sebastian Hernandez, Spencer T. Seiler, H. Schweiger, Samira Vera-Choqqueccota, Gregory A. Kaurala, Tal Sharf, David Haussler, Mohammed A. Mostajo-Radji, Mircea Teodorescu
Scientific Reports, Vol. 16, Issue 1 (2026)
10.1038/s41598-026-40231-0
PMID: 41703003
Abstract
Organoids, 3D tissue cultures that mimic real organs, offer valuable models for research. Traditional culture methods rely on manual feeding and orbital shakers, making them labor-intensive and inconsistent. Microfluidic systems have shown their potential to improve reproducibility by controlling media exchange and culture conditions, yet most still require standard incubators, which limit continuous monitoring due to space and humidity constraints. To address this, we developed a modular platform that integrates automated feeding, real-time imaging, and environmental control, eliminating the need for a conventional incubator. A key feature is a vertically oriented PDMS/glass chip that supports precise media delivery and monitoring while preserving incubation conditions, making it ideal for morphological studies. We demonstrated the platform's ability to maintain metabolic stability and media distribution over time using cerebral organoids. This platform improves organoid research by combining microfluidics, automation, and imaging, enhancing disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine applications.
Topics
Field: Engineering · Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Keywords
Modular design,Organoid,Microfluidics,Key (lock),Regenerative medicine,Proof of concept,Organ-on-a-chip
MeSH Terms
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Citations by Year
| 2026 |
|---|
| 2 |
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