Design and 3D printing of an in vitro biomimetic liver bioreactor

The liver is a key organ in drug bioavailability including uptake, metabolism, and excretion as well as drug toxicity. Thus, a robust liver in vitro model that resembles in vivo micro environment with improved predictive capabilities is highly warranted. The focus in this thesis has been to devel op and characterize a miniature microfluidic bio reactor to maintain the functionality of hepatocytes in vitro for longer period. The functional micro environment of hepatic acinus was mimicked in our modelled device. The tri lo bular hexagonal shape of the acinus with portal triad at each corner was mimicked by our device. The simulation of media flow done on Ansys fluent shows a uniform and centripetal flow through th e channels mimicking sinusoids. Thus our modelled device can be used as an in vitro liver model for studying various liver functions at the cellular level and also phenomenon involving complex in vivo zonation