Figure 5.

Experimental workflow for the fluidic m-µSiM. (A) Before cell seeding, a removable stencil is inserted into the m-µSiM well; then, (B) cells can be directly patterned on the membrane to prevent the distribution of cells on the membrane surrounding and consequent cell damage upon insertion of the flow module. (C) After the monolayer is established, the stencil can be kept or removed and the device can be used for static cell culture in the open-well format. (D) If desired, the user can reconfigure the device into a fluidic mode by inserting the flow module in the m-µSiM well and sealing it magnetically. After the flow experiment, the housings and flow module can be removed to reconfigure the system to the open-well format with direct access to the cells. The pink and green domains represent fluid in the vessel side and the tissue side of the barrier, respectively.