Journal: bioRxiv

Article Title: Investigating the coupled effects of stiffness and stretch on the trabecular meshwork cells using a hydrogel-integrated microfluidic system

doi: 10.64898/2026.04.17.717863

Figure Lengend Snippet: (A) Schematic illustration and a photograph of the hydrogel-integrated microfluidic system showing the multi-layer architecture. (B) Cross-sectional view demonstrating hydraulic pressure application through the microfluidic channel to induce equi-biaxial stretch on the integrated hydrogel.

Article Snippet: The inflatable microfluidic chip was designed in AutoCAD (Autodesk, USA) and fabricated on microscope slides (Fisherbrand 12-550-A3, Fisher Scientific, USA) using five PDMS-based layers ( ): (1) hydraulic pressure channel layer, (2) PDMS membrane layer, (3) hydrogel channel layer, (4) well layer, and (5) port layer.

Techniques:

Journal: bioRxiv

Article Title: Investigating the coupled effects of stiffness and stretch on the trabecular meshwork cells using a hydrogel-integrated microfluidic system

doi: 10.64898/2026.04.17.717863

Figure Lengend Snippet: The PDMS surface was treated with oxygen plasma to form a hydroxyl group (OH-PDMS). 10% TMSPMA was treated to form a methacrylate functional group on the surface (TMSPMA-PDMS). A Sigmacote-coated coverslip was placed on the TMSPMA-PDMS to form an instant microfluidic channel. A patterned Rubylith film was placed on the bottom of the microfluidic system. GelMA hydrogel was introduced from the center inlet to form four hydrogels simultaneously. UV was exposed from the bottom of the chip. Coverslips were removed to create a flat hydrogel surface.

Article Snippet: The inflatable microfluidic chip was designed in AutoCAD (Autodesk, USA) and fabricated on microscope slides (Fisherbrand 12-550-A3, Fisher Scientific, USA) using five PDMS-based layers ( ): (1) hydraulic pressure channel layer, (2) PDMS membrane layer, (3) hydrogel channel layer, (4) well layer, and (5) port layer.

Techniques: Clinical Proteomics, Functional Assay