| abstract |
Provided is a process for creating a 3D metabolically active microtissue perfused with living microvessels which have a direct fluidic connection with neighboring microfluidic channels. The process comprises preparing a template comprising a plurality of channels, and creating a network within said channels, said network comprising microfluidic channels, metabolically active living microvessels, and microtissues. The microvessels can sprout from said microvessels and/or form within the microtissue in response to a stimulus applied from said microfluidic channels or stimulus derived from the said tissues. In another embodiment, a device is provided comprising a supportive structure, one or more microfluidic channels, one or more microtissue compartments, and one or more microvessels, whereby the microvessels connect said microfludic channels and microtissue and perfuse the microtissue to deliver fluid from the microfluidic channels to the microtissues. |