BE-Gradient Barrier-Free is our device designed for electrochemical gradient application to 3D cell cultures and for creating barrier models. It is compatible with any type of optical microscopy (inverted phase contrast, confocal, fluorescence, etc). Be-Gradient consists of a cell culture chamber and two channels in direct contact with it. Changing the concentration of one element between the channels on both sides of the central chamber results in the creation of a chemical gradient of that element in the central chamber. For barrier and vasculature models, the lateral channels are meant to simulate blood vessels, where endothelial cells can be cultured.
 
Applications
The BE-Gradient Barrier-Free is a chip designed for 3D culture where an electrochemical gradient can be achieved. This chemotaxis stimulus is useful for cell/spheroid invasion and migration studies. Ischaemia models can be also performed in this device, taking in consideration the cell type metabolism, cell density, flow conditions and nutrients & oxygen availability. Another important application of BE-Gradient Barrier-Free is barrier models, where different cell types can be co-cultured, using the lateral channels as endothelial cell culture compartments. Additionally, this cell type can be explored in this device for the development of angiogenesis and endothelization models.
 
Device features
Easy to use: BE-Gradient Barrier-Free is compatible with any type of optical microscopy (confocal, fluorescence…) and its slide format has been chosen for easy handling under a microscope.
Easy to connect: BE-Gradient Barrier-Free is compatible with all microfluidic flow control systems (syringe, peristaltic pumps, pressure control systems, rocker systems…).
No unspecific absorption: Unlike in other PDMS devices, BE-Gradient Barrier-Free is made of lipophobic thermoplastic materials and does not present unspecific drug absorption issues. It allows immunohistochemistry with fluorescent detection.
Impermeability: These materials have a very low permeability to oxygen and water vapor, allowing precise control of those gases inside the microchannel by controlling their concentration in the culture medium and its flux.