Microfluidic device to culture 3D in vitro human capillary networks.

Models that aim to recapitulate the dynamic in vivo features of the microcirculation are crucial for studying vascularization. Cells in vivo respond not only to biochemical cues (e.g., growth factor gradients) but also sense mechanical cues (e.g., interstitial flow, vessel perfusion). Integrating the response of cells, the stroma, and the circulation in a dynamic 3D setting will create an environment suitable for the exploration of many fundamental vascularization processes. Here in this chapter, we describe an in vivo-inspired microenvironment that is conducive to the development of perfused human capillaries.