In vitro culture devices and methods are described. The subject methods and devices provide a means whereby cells and / or subcellular material are grown or held in a culture device that maintains the cells and / or subcellular material in a physiologically representative environment, thereby improving the
predictive value of
toxicity and
metabolism assays, and the relevance of experimental results derived from such assays to actual
in vivo conditions, processes and outcomes. The culture devices of the invention comprise a
fluidic channel connected to or otherwise integrated with at least one chamber, preferably integrated in a
chip format. The specific chamber geometry is designed to provide cellular interactions, liquid flow, and liquid
residence and other parameter values that correlate with those found in or produced by the corresponding
cell, organs or tissues, or components or products thereof,
in vivo. Each device comprises at least one chamber and at least one inlet and one outlet port that allow for recirculation of the culture medium. The device will usually include a mechanism for obtaining signals from the cells and culture medium.