Plug and Play Multi-Organ Chips: Integrated µGaskets for the Facile and Reversible Connection of Individual Organ-on-Chip Modules

Multi-organ-chip (MOC) models provide a plethora of auspicious opportunities to replace current in vitro and in vivo models for a more systemic investigation of human (patho-)physiology for drug development and personalized medicine. Integration of individual organ tissues into a systemic circulation remains a major challenge for their implementation/application. Modular 'mix-and-match' connection strategies are beneficial in their flexibility for individual organ-on-chip (OoC) module designs, and their connection and experimental timelines, but yet lack a facile implementation/realization without the addition of external connectors and dead volume. We introduce a novel concept for the flexible plug and play integration of OoC modules to an MOC platform by integrated µGaskets. The thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)-based µGaskets provide a highly robust and simultaneously easy connection of customizable tissue models. We characterized the facile fabrication of connection chips equipped with µGaskets and proved their functionality and durability in different burst, pressure and reusability tests.