Microfluidic device and method for coupling discrete microchannels and for co-culture

摘要

A microfluidic device and method is provided for coupling discrete channels and for co-culture. The microfluidic device includes first and second bodies. Each body has a bottom surface and defines a channel. The channel in each body includes an inlet and an outlet communicating with the bottom surface. A first fluid, such as a first cell suspension, is provided within the channel of the first body and a second fluid, such a second cell suspension, is provided within the channel of the second body. The first and second bodies are movable between a first position wherein the outlet of the channel of the first body is spaced from the inlet of the channel of the second body and a second position wherein the fluid at the outlet of the channel of the first body communicates with the fluid at the inlet of the channel of the second body.