FIG. 5.

Integration of biosensors into microfluidic hepatic cultures. (a) Microfluidic droplet generator employed for analysis of media conditioned by hepatocytes. Different reactions/bioassays are carried out in a different set of droplets (concept from Ref. 154). (b) A microfluidic hepatocyte culture device integrating channels with hydrogel walls that allow for diffusion of proteins secreted by cells. Bead-based immunoassays are placed into channels flanking the hepatocyte culture chamber and are used for detection of secreted growth factors (concept from Ref. 155). (c) Electrochemical biosensor module coupled to a microfluidic culture device for detection of hepatic biomarkers (concept from Ref. 156).