Fluidic device for quantifying the dynamic permeability and hydraulic conductivitiy of living tissue layers

A method for measuring hydraulic conductivity associated with cells, the method comprising:

• moving a working fluid through a first microchannel of a microfluidic device, the microfluidic device including a second microchannel and a barrier located at an interface region between the first microchannel and the second microchannel, the barrier including a first side facing toward the first microchannel and having the cells adhered thereto;
• measuring a portion of the working fluid that migrates through the cell layer and the barrier and exits the second microchannel;
• and
• determining the hydraulic conductivity of the cells.

A method for measuring hydraulic conductivity associated with cells, the method comprising:

• moving a working fluid through a first microchannel of a microfluidic device, the microfluidic device including a second microchannel and a barrier located at an interface region between the first microchannel and the second microchannel, the barrier including a first side facing toward the first microchannel and having the cells adhered thereto;
• monitoring a marker associated with a portion of the working fluid that migrates through the cell layer and the barrier and exits the second microchannel;
• and
• determining the hydraulic conductivity of the cells.