Devices for cell culture and methods of making and using the same

A microfluidic device comprising:

• a first chamber filled with a hydrogel matrix and comprising two or more channels extending therethrough, wherein the two or more channels each comprise a central lumen, an elongated body with an inner surface and an outer surface, and an isolated inlet and outlet, wherein the first chamber comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and at least two side walls;
• an inlet and an outlet fluidly coupled to the first chamber;
• and
• at least two openings in each of two opposite walls of the first chamber to accommodate the isolated inlet and outlet of each of the two or more channels, or tubing connected to the isolated inlet and outlet of each of the two or more channels,
• wherein at least one of the channels comprises a first population of cells associated with the inner surface of the channel and the first chamber comprises a second population of cells in the hydrogel matrix;
• a second chamber above and in contact with the upper wall of the first chamber;
• and
• a third chamber oriented below and in contact with the lower wall of the first chamber,
• wherein each of the upper wall of the first chamber and the lower wall of the first chamber comprise a flexible substrate;
• a fluid circuit board fluidly coupled to the isolated inlet and outlet of each of the two or more channels;
• one or more pumps fluidly coupled to the fluid circuit board;
• and
• one or more reservoirs fluidly coupled to the one or more pumps.