Numerical Analysis of Optimal Design Parameters for a Cell Co-Culture Microfluidic Platform With an Integrated Pressure-Controlled Valve

Abstract This study reports the design, fabrication, and a two-dimensional numerical analysis to identify the optimal operating parameters of a novel microfluidic co-culture platform with an integrated pressure-controlled valve. Replica molding using 3D printed PDMS molds were used for the fabrication of the individual components of the device. Alternation of the position of the PDMS hydraulic valve permits individual manipulation of the cellular microenvironment of the two adjacent cell culture chambers (27.5 mm × 35 mm × 10 mm). The mathematical model analyzes the deflection profile of the valve in the vertical direction as a function of several parameters: valve thicknesses, the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the pressure chamber, and PDMS elasticity determined by the ratio of the elastomer base and the curing reagent. The valve understudy requires a deflection of 0.5 mm to completely isolate the two cell chambers. The combination of the optimal design parameters is identified using numerical analysis. Mathematical simulations show that the deflection of the membrane is inversely proportional to the valve membrane thickness and directly proportional to the pressure exerted by the fluid on the valve.