Development and characterization of a polydimethylsiloxane-cellulose acetate hybrid membrane for application in organ-on-a-chip

• Drop casting of a PDMS-cellulose composite membrane . • To impart properties such as; elasticity, selective permeability , biocompatibility and pro-cell growth surface. • The membrane can be used in applications such as organ-on-a-chip and wound healing etc. Membranes are barriers connecting dissimilar environments, thus, hold an important place in the human body. Therefore, studying the membranes is critical for understanding the body's functions with respect to cell/tissue/organ and its surrounding. In vitro cell cultures (2D and 3D) can utilize the membrane properties like compartmentalization, transport of ions, gases, and signaling molecules. We have developed a strong yet elastic membrane which allows the cell growth over its surface. The membrane, a composite of PDMS (elastomer) and cellulose acetate (biopolymer), is characterized morphologically, physically, chemically, and biologically. A biocompatible, elastic, gas permeable, and liquid impermeable membrane is developed. To conclude, the membrane with one-part PDMS , eight-parts toluene, and two-parts cellulose acetate is ideal for cell growth and would be used in applications such as lung-on-a-chip to mimic the lung-alveolar interface allowing cell growth on either sides of the membrane. .