Development of Paper-based Microfluidic Platform for Analysis of Cellular Crosstalk and Molecular Expression

Conventional biological techniques for analysis of cellular molecular expression are time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this work, a paper-based microfluidic platform was developed to imitate periosteum-bone tissue microenvironment. This platform serves as an in vitro three-dimensional cell co-culture model to analyze cellular crosstalk and molecular expression of 2 different cells. The developed platform consisted of a paper substrate that was sandwiched between PDPC-hydrogel and ADSC-hydrogel suspensions. The unique design allowed for the transfer of cell secretions through the paper substrate, enabling communication between the cells on either side. Cellular crosstalk was investigated by the protein expression on the paper substrate. Additionally, the osteogenesis potential of PDPCs was examined by analyzing the mRNA expressions of the cells following culture. By utilizing the paper-based microfluidic platform, an in vitro periosteum-bone tissue microenvironment was successfully established. This innovative approach provides a promising method to study cellular crosstalk and molecular expression within a 3D co-culture microenvironment. It holds great potential for advancing the development of effective bone regeneration therapies.