Microfluidic Device Setting by Coculturing Endothelial Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The construction of vascular networks is essential for developing functional organ/tissue constructs in terms of oxygen and nutrient supply. Although recent advances in microfluidic techniques have allowed for the construction of microvascular networks using microfluidic devices, their structures cannot be maintained for extended periods of time due to a lack of perivascular cells. To construct long-lasting microvascular networks, it is important that perivascular cells are present to provide structural support to vessels, because in vivo microvessels are covered by perivascular cells and stabilized. Here, we describe a microfluidic cell culture platform for the construction of microvascular networks with supportive perivascular cells. Our results showed that microvascular networks covered by pericyte-like perivascular cells formed in a microfluidic device and their structures were maintained for at least 3 weeks in vitro.