131946Novel microfluidic assay platform for the assessment of stem cell-derived epithelial function.ClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKWe aim to develop a novel analytical platform for the assessment of epithelial function across a range of tissue types. The platform integrates microfluidic technology with a range of analytical outputs and delivers more physiologically relevant data than current in vitro models – uncovering previously unseen responses to environmental challenge. However, the system currently has limited scalability as it utilises "supply-limited" primary cells. Therefore, the aim of this proposal is to evaluate the potential to use induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) – an essentially limitless source of cells – to derive functionally responsive epithelial tissue on the microfluidic device. We will differentiate IPSCs grown "on-chip" along the appropriate epithelial lineage, assess differentiation microscopically, and compare responses to those seen in primary cells.