Conclusion

The glomerulus and proximal tubule microphysiological system presented in this study successfully recapitulates kidney filtration and reabsorption properties. A 2D computational model of the velocity and shear rate profiles provided a template for achieving a shear stress of 0.4- 1.5 dynes/cm2 within the device. Single and tri-cellular in vitro models were characteristically different in their functional capabilities. Though both systems operate at 0.7 dynes/cm2 for 7-days, there are clear differences in the filtrate output. The significance of the tri-culture is verified by the glomerular cells filtering human serum albumin, acting as filtration barrier both biologically and mechanically. In this work, the tri-culture presents a more realistic cellular model of the glomerulus and PCT.