Microfluidic-based device for in vivo wound infection model and uses thereof

A microfluidic-based device for establishing an in vivo model of wound infection on a host induced by pathogens, the device comprises a multi-layered structure, the multi-layered structure comprising:

• a base layer;
• an intermediate host-pathogen interface layer;
• a bioassay layer;
• and
• a barrier layer,
• the base layer and barrier layer sandwiching the intermediate host-pathogen interface layer and the bioassay layer, respectively, for supporting the intermediate host-pathogen interface layer and the bioassay layer and preventing fluid from flowing through the intermediate host-pathogen interface layer and the bioassay layer in from leakage to the surroundings;
• the bioassay layer comprising a plurality of fluid channels for generating a concentration gradient of one or more agents to be tested on the in vivo model and communicating with corresponding channels of the intermediate host-pathogen interface layer to form a continuous fluid flow system;
• the intermediate host-pathogen interface layer comprising:
• a plurality of channels, each configured to be periodically curved to form a sinusoidal waveform-like channel, and
• multiple compartments, each being disposed at the crest or trough of the sinusoidal waveform-like channel and separated from the sinusoidal waveform-like channel by an inner sidewall for forming an entrapment of fertilized embryo of the host, and each of the compartments has an extension with a decreasing cross-sectional area towards a direction opposite to a direction of the continuous fluid flow from the channels of the bioassay layer to the corresponding sinusoidal waveform-like channels of the intermediate host-pathogen interface layer for hatching the fertilized embryo of the host in the entrapment and subsequently inducing a wound on a tail portion of the host at a tip section of said extension.