Advanced MPS & In Vitro Systems Studio
Engineering the environments biology needs.
We design the system around your biology—from petri dish experiments to physiologically relevant models. Biology-first design, closed-loop automation, and imaging-compatible platforms built for translational impact.
About
We are an advanced MPS and in vitro systems studio. Founded by researchers trained at Harvard and Stanford, with over 15 years of combined experience and a publication record spanning Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and Lab on a Chip—we design, build, and deploy complex physiological models that go beyond static cell culture.
Our work begins with the biology: understanding the tissue environment, the cellular behavior, and the experimental question. From there we engineer the system—selecting the right MPS architecture, designing the fluidic infrastructure, fabricating the device, and automating the workflow. We bridge the gap between petri dish experiments and clinically relevant biology.
Platforms
Modality-agnostic engineering across spheroid, organoid, barrier, neural, wound, and vascular models—every platform designed with downstream microscopy and assay integration in mind.
Microphysiological systems (MPS)
Custom MPS platform development from biological needs assessment through architecture design. We select the right topology, model flow regimes, choose biocompatible materials, and design imaging-compatible systems—delivering platforms built around your tissue model, not a product catalog.
Organoid systems
Modular perfusion manifolds, automated media exchange, and closed-loop control for patient-derived and primary organoid cultures. We extend culture duration, reduce inter-well variability, and integrate live imaging for drug testing and disease modeling workflows.
Spheroid culture
High-throughput spheroid platforms with controlled geometry for uniform formation, passive or active perfusion, and compatibility with liquid handlers and high-content imaging. Designed for oncology screening, cytotoxicity assays, and 3D tumor models that better predict in vivo response.
Wound & barrier models
Perfused wound healing assays, gut-on-chip barrier systems, and compartmentalized neural devices. We engineer interstitial flow control, chemokine gradients, TEER monitoring, and mechanical strain—recapitulating the dynamics that static culture and transwell systems cannot.
How we work
Full-stack delivery organized by engagement type—from needs assessment through device fabrication to closed-loop workflow automation. We start from your biological question, not a device catalog.
Tier 1 — Design
MPS System Architecture
Biological needs assessment, platform selection, MPS topology design, flow modeling, and material selection. Deliverable: design package and technical brief.
Tier 2 — Build
Device Fabrication & Integration
Biocompatible 3D-printed device fabrication, PDMS prototyping, fluidic integration, and pump, sensor, and tubing specification and setup.
Tier 3 — Deploy
Workflow Automation & Validation
Closed-loop perfusion control, automated media exchange, imaging pipeline integration, protocol development, and assay compatibility validation.
Advisory
Embedded Consulting
Ongoing technical advisory for biotech or academic teams building in-house MPS capability—from strategic guidance to hands-on troubleshooting.
Case studies
Problem-to-platform narratives across oncology, neuroscience, wound biology, organoid drug testing, and barrier permeability—applying a consistent MPS engineering approach.
Biotech startup, early-stage oncology drug discovery pipeline
High-throughput spheroid culture platform for oncology drug screening
- Challenge
- The team was running 2D cytotoxicity assays that failed to predict in vivo response. They needed a 3D tumor spheroid platform compatible with their existing liquid handler and high-content imaging system.
- Studio solution
- Designed and fabricated a 96-well-format ultra-low attachment microfluidic insert system with controlled geometry for uniform spheroid formation. Integrated passive perfusion via gravity-driven flow. Validated assay compatibility with Calcein AM / EthD viability readout and automated imaging pipeline.
- Deliverable
- Functional spheroid culture platform + SOP + imaging workflow. Client operated independently within 3 weeks of handoff.
Academic neuroscience lab, studying compartmentalized axonal biology
Axon guidance & neural network microfluidic device
- Challenge
- Researchers needed a microfluidic chamber to isolate axons from cell bodies, enabling compartment-specific drug or stimulation treatments. Commercial devices were too expensive for lab-scale use and lacked customization.
- Studio solution
- Designed a PDMS-based compartmentalized neuron culture device with microgroove arrays (10 × 3 µm features) using 3D-printed masters. Optimized groove geometry for directed axon growth and fluidic isolation. Provided fabrication protocol for in-house replication.
- Deliverable
- Custom device design + master molds + replication protocol. Lab produced 50+ devices independently post-handoff.
Translational research group studying chronic wound biology
Vascularized wound healing assay platform
- Challenge
- Standard scratch assays and transwell systems could not recapitulate the interstitial flow and barrier dynamics of wound tissue. The group needed a perfused model with imaging access and cytokine gradient control.
- Studio solution
- Developed a multi-layer microfluidic device with a central hydrogel channel flanked by perfusion channels, enabling interstitial flow control and a tunable chemokine gradient. Fabricated in biocompatible resin with glass-bottom imaging compatibility. Integrated syringe pump control protocol with automated flow cycling.
- Deliverable
- Perfused wound model device + flow control protocol + ΔF/F imaging guide. Published-quality data within first experimental run.
Pharma R&D group, patient-derived intestinal organoid drug testing
Automated organoid perfusion system
- Challenge
- The team had established organoid cultures but lacked infrastructure for controlled perfusion and automated media exchange. Manual feeding introduced variability and limited culture duration.
- Studio solution
- Designed a modular perfusion manifold for standard 24-well plate format, integrating peristaltic micro-pump control, bubble trap, and pressure-controlled media reservoirs. Developed closed-loop perfusion protocol with scheduled automated media exchange. Imaging-compatible lid system for live culture monitoring.
- Deliverable
- Complete perfusion system (hardware + software protocol) + validated organoid culture SOP. Culture duration extended from 7 to 21 days with reduced inter-well variability.
Drug delivery biotech, oral formulation development
Gut barrier integrity MPS for permeability screening
- Challenge
- The company needed a better predictor of intestinal permeability than Caco-2 monolayers. They wanted a peristalsis-mimicking gut-on-chip with TEER monitoring and fluorescent permeability readout.
- Studio solution
- Designed a two-channel gut-on-chip device with a flexible PDMS membrane enabling cyclic mechanical strain (peristalsis simulation). Integrated TEER electrode ports and fluorescent dye perfusion channels. Biocompatible fabrication with optimized surface treatment for Caco-2 and intestinal organoid-derived monolayer attachment.
- Deliverable
- Functional gut-on-chip device + TEER measurement protocol + permeability assay SOP. Delivered as a design + build package with one round of validation support.
Applications
We work with pharma, biotech, and academic teams across biological domains—combining biological systems expertise, advanced microfluidic fabrication, and closed-loop automation in a single engagement.
Pharma R&D
Patient-derived organoid drug testing, permeability screening, and physiologically relevant assay development. We deliver closed-loop perfusion systems, validated SOPs, and imaging-compatible platforms that extend culture duration and reduce variability—on startup-compatible timelines with publish-quality rigor.
Biotech
Early-stage drug discovery pipelines that need 3D models beyond 2D cytotoxicity screens. From high-throughput spheroid platforms integrated with liquid handlers to custom MPS architectures for lead optimization—we design systems your team can operate independently after handoff.
Academic research
Compartmentalized neural devices, perfused wound models, and custom microfluidic chambers for labs that need customization beyond commercial catalogs. We provide device designs, master molds, replication protocols, and embedded advisory to help teams build in-house capability.
Contact & collaboration
Whether you are scoping an MPS platform, need fabrication support, or want embedded advisory for an in-house build—tell us about your biological question and we will outline how we can help.