Multi-channel cell co-culture for drug development based on glass microfluidic chip-mass spectrometry coupled platform

Rationale Cell‐based drug assay plays an essential role in drug development. By coupling a microfluidic chip with mass spectrometry (MS), we developed a multifunctional platform. Cell co‐culture, cell apoptosis assay, fluorescence and MS detection of intracellular drug absorption could be simultaneously conducted on this platform. Methods Three micro‐channels were fabricated through photolithography technology to conduct the cell co‐culture. Cell apoptosis after drug treatment was assayed by fluorescent probes (Hoechst 33342). Intracellular Dox absorption was analyzed by confocal fluorescent microscopy. With a high voltage (~ 4.5 kV) applied onto the microfluidic chip, the ionization spray was successfully generated by dropping isopropanol onto it. By coupling with a Shimadzu LCMS‐2010 A mass spectrometer, intracellular CPA absorption was detected on the microfluidic chip. Results The microfluidic chip‐MS coupled platform showed high biocompatibility. Distinction of cell apoptosis between co‐cultured and mono‐cultured cells was detected. The results of intracellular drug absorption well explained the different cell apoptosis rate. Conclusions Cell‐based drug assay was facilely and successfully conducted on the microfluidic chip‐MS coupled platform. This technology we have devised could promote MS application in the field of drug development. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.