A polymer chip‐based technology for the investigation of small resistance arteries

Growing consensus links hypertension, a primary cardiovascular risk factor, to elevated peripheral resistance. Advanced research on peripheral resistance arteries (RA) is therefore essential to improve our knowledge regarding hypertension and existing treatment strategies. Current experimental approaches (i.e., pressure myography) are time intensive, not high throughput ready and require highly skilled personnel. To overcome these limitations, we have designed and fabricated a microfluidic device that allows RAs to be reversibly loaded, fixed, and perfused on a polymer chip (AoC). The current study aims to validate the AoC in relation to the classical cannulation approach. Dose response curves for phenylephrine (PE) and acetylcholine (ACh) were virtually identical for mesenteric RAs tested on the AoC and those studied on a conventional pressure myograph. Arteries kept in culture on the AoC for 24h prior to functional testing showed fully maintained responses to PE and ACh. On‐chip vessel loading with Fura‐2 revealed irregular Ca2+ oscillations that were synchronized following PE treatment. This study presents a fast, easy to manage, low cost, scalable and high throughput‐ready technology that will drastically facilitate microvascular research. Based on its innovative features, the AoC has great potential for application in drug development and on‐site clinical use (personalized medicine).