# Commercializing the μSIM: A Modular Platform for the Development and Analysis of Barrier Tissue Models

> **NIH NIH R44** · SIMPORE, INC. · 2022 · $893,657

## Abstract

Abstract
This project will commercialize a cell culture platform featuring SiMPore's ultrathin silicon-
based membrane technology to enable advanced research on tissue barriers. In vitro models of
tissue barriers such as the gut, lung, and vasculature are important for understanding the basis
of disease and for assessing the ability of drug formulations to reach target tissues. Despite the
growing use of sophisticated cell culture platforms (e.g., 3D cell culture, microphysiological
systems, and tissue chips), the simplest and most popular tools for the in vitro study of barrier
tissues remains the Corning Transwell™ and its competitors (collectively referred to herein as
“Transwells™”). These products have a suspended ~ 10 µm thick polymer membrane creating
apical and basal compartments which separate mono- or co-cultures grown on the
membranes. Despite their popularity, Transwells® do not support high resolution microscopy
nor provide the fluid flow needed to properly study vascular barriers and immune cell
trafficking. SiMPore's membranes will be commercialized as cell culture products that
overcome limitations of Transwells®, while retaining their easy to use format and offering
features found in more sophisticated tissue chips.
Our Phase I project successfully translated the laborious hand-made devices used in the
laboratory of Professor James McGrath (University of Rochester) to a scalable fabrication
workflow at SiMPore. Using a modular design, we developed an open-well Transwell-style
culture unit that incorporates SiMPore's membranes, which further converts to a flow cell with
the addition of a plug-and-play flow module. Devices were distributed to nine collaborating
laboratories, all of whom reported success with the platform. SiMPore also successfully
translated the dual-scale micro/nanoporous membranes developed by the McGrath laboratory
to wafer-scale manufacturing.
Our Phase II project will create commercially viable versions of Phase I prototypes to be
marketed under the CytoVu™ brand. Aim 1 will increase membrane manufacturing capacity by
relieving production bottlenecks and integrating automation. Aim 2 focuses on automating
CytoVu™ device assembly. Aim 3 will test the manufactured devices in a network of
collaborating laboratories while developing accessories that make the platform increasingly
versatile and easy to use. This project will establish scalable manufacturing capacity at
SiMPore for the CytoVu™ and its accessories, and also validate CytoVu™ products as
competitive alternatives to incumbent products for the in vitro study of barrier tissues.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10385120
- **Project number:** 2R44GM137651-02
- **Recipient organization:** SIMPORE, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** James Andrew Roussie
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $893,657
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2020-05-06 → 2024-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10385120

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10385120, Commercializing the μSIM: A Modular Platform for the Development and Analysis of Barrier Tissue Models (2R44GM137651-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10385120. Licensed CC0.

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