The Mission

Our mission is to democratize access to advanced microfluidic technologies, empowering researchers globally to conduct organ-on-chip experiments without being constrained by financial or technical limitations. By providing innovative tools that simplify fluid management, chip manipulation, and production, we aim to foster a more inclusive research environment where cutting-edge experiments can be performed with ease and efficiency, regardless of institutional resources or expertise.

The Challenge

The field of dual or multi-organ-on-chip research is confronted with several critical challenges that hinder its widespread adoption. One major issue is the precise management of cell culture medium, including its introduction, replacement, and maintenance within microfluidic systems. This becomes particularly problematic when integrating multiple organ models, where introducing treatments and ensuring consistent medium flow or refreshing across reservoirs is labor-intensive and error-prone. Additionally, the production of these organ-on-chip devices is both expensive and technically challenging, requiring specialized equipment and expertise. This limits accessibility, particularly for smaller research labs. Another significant issue is the manipulation and positioning of lightweight chips within incubators. Due to their delicate nature, ensuring accurate placement for optimal cell culture conditions is cumbersome and often leads to inconsistencies in experimental outcomes. We have faced these problems during the first three years of our PhD project and have developed several products to tackel them.

The solution

We have implemented a cost-effective, rapid chip production methodology that enables any basic biology lab to fabricate organ-on-chip devices without the need for sophisticated equipment. This process reduces both the financial and technical barriers traditionally associated with organ-on-chip technologies, making these systems accessible to a wider range of researchers. To address the logistical challenge of chip manipulation, we have developed Cobra holders, which provide a stable, user-friendly method for positioning chips in incubators. These holders ensure consistent and secure placement during cell culture, improving experimental accuracy and ease of handling. Lastly, our FlexiX systems offer a comprehensive, all-in-one platform that streamlines fluid management in both open and closed microfluidic circuits. FlexiX allows for precise control over medium introduction, replacement, and flow regulation, making it suitable for complex multi-organ systems. This innovation reduces manual intervention, minimizes errors, and ensures a more consistent environment for cell culture, thus enhancing the reliability of experimental results. We have already implemented these products in our own PhD research, and the first scientific publications that include our products are currently being written.