METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A MICROFLUIDIC GEL STRUCTURE

A method for creating a lumenized gel structure is described. The method comprises introducing a first liquid comprising a gel precursor solution into a microfluidic network, the microfluidic network comprising a capillary pressure barrier at a position generally defining a boundary between first and second regions of the microfluidic network; allowing the first liquid to enter the first region of the microfluidic network and align itself along the capillary pressure barrier, thereby forming a liquid-air meniscus of the first liquid at the boundary between the first and second regions of the microfluidic network; forming a lumen through the first liquid by contacting the first liquid with a second liquid, wherein the second liquid has a viscosity which is lower than the viscosity of the first liquid; and allowing or causing the first liquid to gelate to form a gel structure comprising a lumen therethrough. Also described is an apparatus comprising a gel with a lumen extending therethrough, and uses of the apparatus and the lumenized gel structure in assays.