Selection and simulation of a proper microfluidic for hepatocyte culture

The advent of microfluidics as suitable environments for culturing cells is associated with some challenges as shear stresses applied on the cells. Moreover, among all factors needed for cell viability, feeding hepatocytes with adequate oxygen is of great importance due to their high demand for oxygen compared the other cell types. In this paper three kinds of geometries has been studied in order that shear stresses would be in allowed range and provision of hepatocytes with sufficient oxygen concentrations has been ensured as well. In addition to supplying hepatocytes with oxygen, the range of its concentration has been adjusted in physiologic value so that it would be practical for further medical experiments. The yielded results, as a consequence of comparison, established the fact that the geometry containing hydrogel provides a more satisfactory environment for cell living.