Fig. 11.

Comparison of channels formed in a modular construct and those reproduced in a microfluidic chamber. A cross-section of the construct is depicted with flow going into the page (y-axis). In the modular construct, endothelial cells line the entire surface of the channels and the topography (z-direction) or “thickness” of the channels along their length (y-direction) is uneven. In the microfluidic chamber, silicone analogues for the modules also block flow and force the fluid through channels; however, the channels have the same thickness throughout the length of the chamber and we examined only the cells attached to the fibronectin coated coverglass