Novel, organ-on-a-chip device for assessing trans-epithelial transport, and uses thereof

A system for measuring a fluidic flux across a tissue layer comprising a microfluidic device, the microfluidic device comprising:

• a first micro-patterned layer;
• a second micro-patterned layer attached to the first micro-patterned layer;
• a porous membrane disposed between the first micro-patterned layer and the second micro-patterned layer,
• wherein the second micro-patterned layer and the porous membrane together define an upper channel across an upper surface of the tissue layer while in use;
• wherein the first micro-patterned layer and the porous membrane together define a lower channel across a lower surface of the tissue layer while in use;
• and
• a pressure monitor arranged in operative communication with the upper channel and the lower channel,
• wherein the pressure monitor is configured to measure a fluidic pressure in the upper channel and a fluidic pressure in the lower channel;
• and
• a fluidic flux monitor arranged in operative communication with the upper channel and the lower channel, the fluidic flux monitor being configured to provide a measurement of said fluidic flux,
• wherein the fluidic flux monitor comprises a microcapillary configured to measure both (i) trans-epithelial fluid flux and (ii) hydraulic pressure in the microfluidic device, and
• wherein said fluidic flux is measured as a function of said fluid pressure to determine a state of said tissue layer.