Microfluidic perifusion and imaging device for multi-parametric islet function assessment

A microfluidic islet perifusion device was developed for the assessment of dynamic insulin secretion of multiple pancreatic islets and simultaneous fluorescence imaging of calcium influx and mitochondrial potential changes. The fanned out design of the second generation device optimized the efficient mixing and uniform distribution of rapid alternating solutions in the perifusion chamber and allowed for the generation of reproducible glucose gradients. Simultaneous imaging of calcium influx and mitochondrial potential changes in response to glucose stimulation showed high signal-noise ratio and spatial-temporal resolution. These results suggest that this system can be used for detailed study of the endocrine function of pancreatic islets with simultaneous imaging of intracellular ion fluxes and mitochondrial membrane potential changes. This tool can be used for quality assessment of islets preparation before transplantation and for in vitro studies of islet function.