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.