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Agarwal SS, Cortes-Medina M, Holter JC, Avendano A, Tinapple JW, Barlage JM, Menyhert MM, Onua LM, Song JW. Rapid low-cost assembly of modular microvessel-on-a-chip with benchtop xurography. LAB ON A CHIP 2024. [PMID: 39397763 PMCID: PMC11472271 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00565a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
Blood and lymphatic vessels in the body are central to molecular and cellular transport, tissue repair, and pathophysiology. Several approaches have been employed for engineering microfabricated blood and lymphatic vessels in vitro, yet traditionally these approaches require specialized equipment, facilities, and research training beyond the capabilities of many biomedical laboratories. Here we present xurography as an inexpensive, accessible, and versatile rapid prototyping technique for engineering cylindrical and lumenized microvessels. Using a benchtop xurographer, or a cutting plotter, we fabricated modular multi-layer poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based microphysiological systems (MPS) that house endothelial-lined microvessels approximately 260 μm in diameter embedded within a user-defined 3-D extracellular matrix (ECM). We validated the vascularized MPS (or vessel-on-a-chip) by quantifying changes in blood vessel permeability due to the pro-angiogenic chemokine CXCL12. Moreover, we demonstrated the reconfigurable versatility of this approach by engineering a total of four distinct vessel-ECM arrangements, which were obtained by only minor adjustments to a few steps of the fabrication process. Several of these arrangements, such as ones that incorporate close-ended vessel structures and spatially distinct ECM compartments along the same microvessel, have not been widely achieved with other microfabrication strategies. Therefore, we anticipate that our low-cost and easy-to-implement fabrication approach will facilitate broader adoption of MPS with customizable vascular architectures and ECM components while reducing the turnaround time required for iterative designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashwat S Agarwal
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Marcos Cortes-Medina
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jacob C Holter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Alex Avendano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Joseph W Tinapple
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Joseph M Barlage
- Department of Biomedical Education and Anatomy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Miles M Menyhert
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lotanna M Onua
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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2
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Yrjänäinen A, Mesiä E, Lampela E, Kreutzer J, Vihinen J, Tornberg K, Vuorenpää H, Miettinen S, Kallio P, Mäki AJ. Barrier-free, open-top microfluidic chip for generating two distinct, interconnected 3D microvascular networks. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22916. [PMID: 39358415 PMCID: PMC11447027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing microphysiological cell culture platforms with a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment has been a significant advancement from traditional monolayer cultures. Still, most of the current microphysiological platforms are limited in closed designs, i.e. are not accessible after 3D cell culture loading. Here, we report an open-top microfluidic chip which enables the generation of two sequentially loaded 3D cell cultures without physical barriers restricting the nurture, gas exchange and cellular communication. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the formation of two 3D vasculatures, one in the upper and the other in the lower compartment, under three distinct flow conditions: asymmetric side-to-center, symmetric side-to-center and symmetric center-to-side. We used computational modelling to characterize initial flow pressures in cell culture compartments. We showed prominent vessel formation and branched vasculatures in upper and lower cell culture compartments with interconnecting, lumenized vessels with in vivo-relevant diameter in all flow conditions. With advanced image processing, we quantified and compared the overall vascular network volume and the total length formed in asymmetric side-to-center, symmetric side-to-center and symmetric center-to-side flow conditions. Our results indicate that the developed chip can house two distinct 3D cell cultures with merging vessels between compartments and by providing asymmetric side-to-center or symmetric center-to-side flow vascular morphogenesis is enhanced in terms of overall network length. The developed open-top microfluidic chip may find various applications in generation of tissue-specific 3D-3D co-cultures for studying cellular interactions in vascularized tissues and organs.
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Grants
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
- 9AB043, 9AC057 Wellbeing services county of Pirkanmaa
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Yrjänäinen
- Adult Stem Cell Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland.
- Tays Research Services, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland.
| | - Elina Mesiä
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Ella Lampela
- Adult Stem Cell Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
- Tays Research Services, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Joose Kreutzer
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Jorma Vihinen
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Kaisa Tornberg
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Hanna Vuorenpää
- Adult Stem Cell Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
- Tays Research Services, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Susanna Miettinen
- Adult Stem Cell Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
- Tays Research Services, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Pasi Kallio
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
| | - Antti-Juhana Mäki
- Micro- and Nanosystems Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Finland
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3
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Zhao N, Pessell AF, Zhu N, Searson PC. Tissue-Engineered Microvessels: A Review of Current Engineering Strategies and Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303419. [PMID: 38686434 PMCID: PMC11338730 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Microvessels, including arterioles, capillaries, and venules, play an important role in regulating blood flow, enabling nutrient and waste exchange, and facilitating immune surveillance. Due to their important roles in maintaining normal function in human tissues, a substantial effort has been devoted to developing tissue-engineered models to study endothelium-related biology and pathology. Various engineering strategies have been developed to recapitulate the structural, cellular, and molecular hallmarks of native human microvessels in vitro. In this review, recent progress in engineering approaches, key components, and culture platforms for tissue-engineered human microvessel models is summarized. Then, tissue-specific models, and the major applications of tissue-engineered microvessels in development, disease modeling, drug screening and delivery, and vascularization in tissue engineering, are reviewed. Finally, future research directions for the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhao
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Alexander F Pessell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Ninghao Zhu
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
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4
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Mulay AR, Hwang J, Kim DH. Microphysiological Blood-Brain Barrier Systems for Disease Modeling and Drug Development. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303180. [PMID: 38430211 PMCID: PMC11338747 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly controlled microenvironment that regulates the interactions between cerebral blood and brain tissue. Due to its selectivity, many therapeutics targeting various neurological disorders are not able to penetrate into brain tissue. Pre-clinical studies using animals and other in vitro platforms have not shown the ability to fully replicate the human BBB leading to the failure of a majority of therapeutics in clinical trials. However, recent innovations in vitro and ex vivo modeling called organs-on-chips have shown the potential to create more accurate disease models for improved drug development. These microfluidic platforms induce physiological stressors on cultured cells and are able to generate more physiologically accurate BBBs compared to previous in vitro models. In this review, different approaches to create BBBs-on-chips are explored alongside their application in modeling various neurological disorders and potential therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, organs-on-chips use in BBB drug delivery studies is discussed, and advances in linking brain organs-on-chips onto multiorgan platforms to mimic organ crosstalk are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atharva R. Mulay
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Jihyun Hwang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205
- Center for Microphysiological Systems, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 21218
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5
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Martier A, Chen Z, Schaps H, Mondrinos MJ, Fang JS. Capturing physiological hemodynamic flow and mechanosensitive cell signaling in vessel-on-a-chip platforms. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1425618. [PMID: 39135710 PMCID: PMC11317428 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1425618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in organ chip (or, "organ-on-a-chip") technologies and microphysiological systems (MPS) have enabled in vitro investigation of endothelial cell function in biomimetic three-dimensional environments under controlled fluid flow conditions. Many current organ chip models include a vascular compartment; however, the design and implementation of these vessel-on-a-chip components varies, with consequently varied impact on their ability to capture and reproduce hemodynamic flow and associated mechanosensitive signaling that regulates key characteristics of healthy, intact vasculature. In this review, we introduce organ chip and vessel-on-a-chip technology in the context of existing in vitro and in vivo vascular models. We then briefly discuss the importance of mechanosensitive signaling for vascular development and function, with focus on the major mechanosensitive signaling pathways involved. Next, we summarize recent advances in MPS and organ chips with an integrated vascular component, with an emphasis on comparing both the biomimicry and adaptability of the diverse approaches used for supporting and integrating intravascular flow. We review current data showing how intravascular flow and fluid shear stress impacts vessel development and function in MPS platforms and relate this to existing work in cell culture and animal models. Lastly, we highlight new insights obtained from MPS and organ chip models of mechanosensitive signaling in endothelial cells, and how this contributes to a deeper understanding of vessel growth and function in vivo. We expect this review will be of broad interest to vascular biologists, physiologists, and cardiovascular physicians as an introduction to organ chip platforms that can serve as viable model systems for investigating mechanosensitive signaling and other aspects of vascular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Martier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Z. Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - H. Schaps
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - M. J. Mondrinos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - J. S. Fang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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6
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Nwokoye PN, Abilez OJ. Bioengineering methods for vascularizing organoids. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100779. [PMID: 38759654 PMCID: PMC11228284 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Organoids, self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from stem cells, offer unique advantages for studying organ development, modeling diseases, and screening potential therapeutics. However, their translational potential and ability to mimic complex in vivo functions are often hindered by the lack of an integrated vascular network. To address this critical limitation, bioengineering strategies are rapidly advancing to enable efficient vascularization of organoids. These methods encompass co-culturing organoids with various vascular cell types, co-culturing lineage-specific organoids with vascular organoids, co-differentiating stem cells into organ-specific and vascular lineages, using organoid-on-a-chip technology to integrate perfusable vasculature within organoids, and using 3D bioprinting to also create perfusable organoids. This review explores the field of organoid vascularization, examining the biological principles that inform bioengineering approaches. Additionally, this review envisions how the converging disciplines of stem cell biology, biomaterials, and advanced fabrication technologies will propel the creation of increasingly sophisticated organoid models, ultimately accelerating biomedical discoveries and innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N Nwokoye
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Oscar J Abilez
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Division of Pediatric CT Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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7
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Nwokoye PN, Abilez OJ. Blood vessels in a dish: the evolution, challenges, and potential of vascularized tissues and organoids. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1336910. [PMID: 38938652 PMCID: PMC11210405 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1336910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular pathologies are prevalent in a broad spectrum of diseases, necessitating a deeper understanding of vascular biology, particularly in overcoming the oxygen and nutrient diffusion limit in tissue constructs. The evolution of vascularized tissues signifies a convergence of multiple scientific disciplines, encompassing the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into vascular cells, the development of advanced three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting techniques, and the refinement of bioinks. These technologies are instrumental in creating intricate vascular networks essential for tissue viability, especially in thick, complex constructs. This review provides broad perspectives on the past, current state, and advancements in key areas, including the differentiation of hPSCs into specific vascular lineages, the potential and challenges of 3D bioprinting methods, and the role of innovative bioinks mimicking the native extracellular matrix. We also explore the integration of biophysical cues in vascularized tissues in vitro, highlighting their importance in stimulating vessel maturation and functionality. In this review, we aim to synthesize these diverse yet interconnected domains, offering a broad, multidisciplinary perspective on tissue vascularization. Advancements in this field will help address the global organ shortage and transform patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N. Nwokoye
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Oscar J. Abilez
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Division of Pediatric CT Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Bio-X Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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8
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Jeong S, Fuwad A, Yoon S, Jeon TJ, Kim SM. A Microphysiological Model to Mimic the Placental Remodeling during Early Stage of Pregnancy under Hypoxia-Induced Trophoblast Invasion. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:289. [PMID: 38786499 PMCID: PMC11118815 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9050289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental trophoblast invasion is critical for establishing the maternal-fetal interface, yet the mechanisms driving trophoblast-induced maternal arterial remodeling remain elusive. To address this gap, we developed a three-dimensional microfluidic placenta-on-chip model that mimics early pregnancy placentation in a hypoxic environment. By studying human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under oxygen-deprived conditions upon trophoblast invasion, we observed significant HUVEC artery remodeling, suggesting the critical role of hypoxia in placentation. In particular, we found that trophoblasts secrete matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) proteins under hypoxic conditions, which contribute to arterial remodeling by the degradation of extracellular matrix components. This MMP-mediated remodeling is critical for facilitating trophoblast invasion and proper establishment of the maternal-fetal interface. In addition, our platform allows real-time monitoring of HUVEC vessel contraction during trophoblast interaction, providing valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between trophoblasts and maternal vasculature. Collectively, our findings highlight the importance of MMP-mediated arterial remodeling in placental development and underscore the potential of our platform to study pregnancy-related complications and evaluate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seorin Jeong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (A.F.)
| | - Ahmed Fuwad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (A.F.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Sunhee Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
| | - Tae-Joon Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
- Biohybrid Systems Research Center, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Min Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; (S.J.); (A.F.)
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea;
- Biohybrid Systems Research Center, Inha University, 100, Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
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9
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Yu T, Yang Q, Peng B, Gu Z, Zhu D. Vascularized organoid-on-a-chip: design, imaging, and analysis. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:147-172. [PMID: 38409567 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Vascularized organoid-on-a-chip (VOoC) models achieve substance exchange in deep layers of organoids and provide a more physiologically relevant system in vitro. Common designs for VOoC primarily involve two categories: self-assembly of endothelial cells (ECs) to form microvessels and pre-patterned vessel lumens, both of which include the hydrogel region for EC growth and allow for controlled fluid perfusion on the chip. Characterizing the vasculature of VOoC often relies on high-resolution microscopic imaging. However, the high scattering of turbid tissues can limit optical imaging depth. To overcome this limitation, tissue optical clearing (TOC) techniques have emerged, allowing for 3D visualization of VOoC in conjunction with optical imaging techniques. The acquisition of large-scale imaging data, coupled with high-resolution imaging in whole-mount preparations, necessitates the development of highly efficient analysis methods. In this review, we provide an overview of the chip designs and culturing strategies employed for VOoC, as well as the applicable optical imaging and TOC methods. Furthermore, we summarize the vascular analysis techniques employed in VOoC, including deep learning. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges in VOoC and vascular analysis methods and provide an outlook for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics - MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Advanced Biomedical Imaging Facility, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Qihang Yang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics - MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Advanced Biomedical Imaging Facility, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, 710072, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics - MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Advanced Biomedical Imaging Facility, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
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10
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Vo Q, Benam KH. Advancements in preclinical human-relevant modeling of pulmonary vasculature on-chip. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 195:106709. [PMID: 38246431 PMCID: PMC10939731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical human-relevant modeling of organ-specific vasculature offers a unique opportunity to recreate pathophysiological intercellular, tissue-tissue, and cell-matrix interactions for a broad range of applications. Lung vasculature is particularly important due to its involvement in genesis and progression of rare, debilitating disorders as well as common chronic pathologies. Here, we provide an overview of the latest advances in the development of pulmonary vascular (PV) models using emerging microfluidic tissue engineering technology Organs-on-Chips (so-called PV-Chips). We first review the currently reported PV-Chip systems and their key features, and then critically discuss their major limitations in reproducing in vivo-seen and disease-relevant cellularity, localization, and microstructure. We conclude by presenting latest efforts to overcome such technical and biological limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quoc Vo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kambez H Benam
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA; Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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11
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Konopka J, Żuchowska A, Jastrzębska E. Vascularized tumor-on-chip microplatforms for the studies of neovasculature as hope for more effective cancer treatments. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 249:115986. [PMID: 38194813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is the development of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature. Multiple factors control its course. Disorders of the distribution of angiogenic agents are responsible for development of solid tumors and its metastases. Understanding of the molecular interactions regulating pathological angiogenesis will allow for development of more effective, even personalized treatment. A simulation of angiogenesis under microflow conditions is a promising alternative to previous studies conducted on animals and on 2D cell cultures. In this review, we summarize what has been discovered so far in the field of vascularized tumor-on-a-chip platforms. For this purpose, we describe different vascularization techniques used in microfluidics, present various attempts to induce angiogenesis-on-a-chip and report some approaches to recapitulate vascularized tumor microenvironment under microflow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Konopka
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Medical Biotechnology, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Żuchowska
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Medical Biotechnology, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jastrzębska
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Medical Biotechnology, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland.
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12
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Vo Q, Carlson KA, Chiknas PM, Brocker CN, DaSilva L, Clark E, Park SK, Ajiboye AS, Wier EM, Benam KH. On-Chip Reconstitution of Uniformly Shear-Sensing 3D Matrix-embedded Multicellular Blood Microvessel. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2024; 34:2304630. [PMID: 38465199 PMCID: PMC10923530 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202304630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical human-relevant modeling of organ-specific vasculature offers a unique opportunity to recreate pathophysiological intercellular, tissue-tissue, and cell-matrix interactions for a broad range of applications. Here, we present a reliable, and simply reproducible process for constructing user-controlled long rounded extracellular matrix (ECM)-embedded vascular microlumens on-chip for endothelization and co-culture with stromal cells obtained from human lung. We demonstrate the critical impact of microchannel cross-sectional geometry and length on uniform distribution and magnitude of vascular wall shear stress, which is key when emulating in vivo-observed blood flow biomechanics in health and disease. In addition, we provide an optimization protocol for multicellular culture and functional validation of the system. Moreover, we show the ability to finely tune rheology of the three-dimensional natural matrix surrounding the vascular microchannel to match pathophysiological stiffness. In summary, we provide the scientific community with a matrix-embedded microvasculature on-chip populated with all-primary human-derived pulmonary endothelial cells and fibroblasts to recapitulate and interrogate lung parenchymal biology, physiological responses, vascular biomechanics, and disease biogenesis in vitro. Such a mix-and-match synthetic platform can be feasibly adapted to study blood vessels, matrix, and ECM-embedded cells in other organs and be cellularized with additional stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quoc Vo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kaely A. Carlson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Peter M. Chiknas
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Chad N. Brocker
- Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Luis DaSilva
- Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Erica Clark
- Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Sang Ki Park
- Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - A. Seun Ajiboye
- Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Eric M. Wier
- Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Kambez H. Benam
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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13
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Middelkamp HHT, Weener HJ, Gensheimer T, Vermeul K, de Heus LE, Albers HJ, van den Berg A, van der Meer AD. Embedded macrophages induce intravascular coagulation in 3D blood vessel-on-chip. Biomed Microdevices 2023; 26:2. [PMID: 38085384 PMCID: PMC10716057 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-023-00684-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are innate immune cells that prevent infections and help in wound healing and vascular inflammation. While these cells are natural helper cells, they also contribute to chronic diseases, e.g., by infiltrating the endothelial layer in early atherosclerosis and by promoting vascular inflammation. There is a crosstalk between inflammatory pathways and key players in thrombosis, such as platelets and endothelial cells - a phenomenon known as 'thromboinflammation'. The role of the embedded macrophages in thromboinflammation in the context of vascular disease is incompletely understood. Blood vessels-on-chips, which are microfluidic vascular cell culture models, have been used extensively to study aspects of vascular disease, like permeability, immune cell adhesion and thrombosis. Blood perfusion assays in blood vessel-on-chip models benefit from multiple unique aspects of the models, such as control of microvessel structure and well-defined flow patterns, as well as the ability to perform live imaging. However, due to their simplified nature, blood vessels-on-chip models have not yet been used to capture the complex cellular crosstalk that is important in thromboinflammation. Using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells and polarized THP-1 monocytes, we have developed and systematically set up a 3D blood vessel-on-chip with embedded (lipid-laden) macrophages, which is created using sequential cell seeding in viscous finger patterned collagen hydrogels. We have set up a human whole blood perfusion assay for these 3D blood vessels-on-chip. An increased deposition of fibrin in the blood vessel-on-chip models containing lipid-laden macrophages was observed. We anticipate the future use of this advanced vascular in vitro model in drug development for early atherosclerosis or aspects of other vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H T Middelkamp
- BIOS lab-on-a-chip group, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - H J Weener
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - T Gensheimer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - K Vermeul
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - L E de Heus
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - H J Albers
- BIOS lab-on-a-chip group, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - A van den Berg
- BIOS lab-on-a-chip group, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - A D van der Meer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
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14
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Cuartas-Vélez C, Middelkamp HHT, van der Meer AD, van den Berg A, Bosschaart N. Tracking the dynamics of thrombus formation in a blood vessel-on-chip with visible-light optical coherence tomography. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:5642-5655. [PMID: 38021142 PMCID: PMC10659801 DOI: 10.1364/boe.500434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Thrombus formation is a physiological response to damage in a blood vessel that relies on a complex interplay of platelets, coagulation factors, immune cells, and the vessel wall. The dynamics of thrombus formation are essential for a deeper understanding of many disease processes, like bleeding, wound healing, and thrombosis. However, monitoring thrombus formation is challenging due to the limited imaging options available to analyze flowing blood. In this work, we use a visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) system to monitor the dynamic process of the formation of thrombi in a microfluidic blood vessel-on-chip (VoC) device. Inside the VoC, thrombi form in a channel lined with a monolayer of endothelial cells and perfused by human whole blood. We show that the correlation of the vis-OCT signal can be utilized as a marker for thrombus formation. By thresholding the correlation during thrombus formation, we track and quantify the growth of the thrombi over time. We validate our results with fluorescence microscopic imaging of fibrin and platelet markers at the end of the blood perfusion assay. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the correlation of the vis-OCT signal can be used to visualize both the spatial and temporal behavior of the thrombus formation in flowing human whole blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cuartas-Vélez
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Heleen H. T. Middelkamp
- BIOS/Lab on a Chip, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Andries D. van der Meer
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Albert van den Berg
- BIOS/Lab on a Chip, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Bosschaart
- Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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15
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Chen SW, Blazeski A, Zhang S, Shelton SE, Offeddu GS, Kamm RD. Development of a perfusable, hierarchical microvasculature-on-a-chip model. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4552-4564. [PMID: 37771308 PMCID: PMC10563829 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00512g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Several methods have been developed for generating 3D, in vitro, organ-on-chip models of human vasculature to study vascular function, transport, and tissue engineering. However, many of these existing models lack the hierarchical nature of the arterial-to-capillary-to-venous architecture that is key to capturing a more comprehensive view of the human microvasculature. Here, we present a perfusable, multi-compartmental model that recapitulates the three microvascular compartments to assess various physiological properties such as vessel permeability, vasoconstriction dynamics, and circulating cell arrest and extravasation. Viscous finger patterning and passive pumping create the larger arterial and venular lumens, while the smaller diameter capillary bed vessels are generated through self-assembly. These compartments anastomose and form a perfusable, hierarchical system that portrays the directionality of blood flow through the microvasculature. The addition of collagen channels reduces the apparent permeability of the central capillary region, likely by reducing leakage from the side channels, enabling more accurate measurements of vascular permeability-an important motivation for this study. Furthermore, the model permits modulation of fluid flow and shear stress conditions throughout the system by using hydrostatic pressure heads to apply pressure differentials across either the arteriole or the capillary. This is a pertinent system for modeling circulating tumor or T cell dissemination and extravasation. Circulating cells were found to arrest in areas conducive to physical trapping or areas with the least amount of shear stress, consistent with hemodynamic or mechanical theories of metastasis. Overall, this model captures more features of human microvascular beds and is capable of testing a broad variety of hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia W Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Adriana Blazeski
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
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16
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Soto Veliz D, Lin K, Sahlgren C. Organ-on-a-chip technologies for biomedical research and drug development: A focus on the vasculature. SMART MEDICINE 2023; 2:e20220030. [PMID: 37089706 PMCID: PMC7614466 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20220030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Current biomedical models fail to replicate the complexity of human biology. Consequently, almost 90% of drug candidates fail during clinical trials after decades of research and billions of investments in drug development. Despite their physiological similarities, animal models often misrepresent human responses, and instead, trigger ethical and societal debates regarding their use. The overall aim across regulatory entities worldwide is to replace, reduce, and refine the use of animal experimentation, a concept known as the Three Rs principle. In response, researchers develop experimental alternatives to improve the biological relevance of in vitro models through interdisciplinary approaches. This article highlights the emerging organ-on-a-chip technologies, also known as microphysiological systems, with a focus on models of the vasculature. The cardiovascular system transports all necessary substances, including drugs, throughout the body while in charge of thermal regulation and communication between other organ systems. In addition, we discuss the benefits, limitations, and challenges in the widespread use of new biomedical models. Coupled with patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, organ-on-a-chip technologies are the future of drug discovery, development, and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diosangeles Soto Veliz
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringCell Biology, Åbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFinland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship CenterÅbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFinland
- Turku Bioscience CenterÅbo Akademi University and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Kai‐Lan Lin
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringCell Biology, Åbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFinland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship CenterÅbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFinland
- Turku Bioscience CenterÅbo Akademi University and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Cecilia Sahlgren
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringCell Biology, Åbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFinland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship CenterÅbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFinland
- Turku Bioscience CenterÅbo Akademi University and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoventhe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS)Eindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoventhe Netherlands
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17
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de Graaf MNS, Vivas A, Kasi DG, van den Hil FE, van den Berg A, van der Meer AD, Mummery CL, Orlova VV. Multiplexed fluidic circuit board for controlled perfusion of 3D blood vessels-on-a-chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 23:168-181. [PMID: 36484766 PMCID: PMC9764810 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00686c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) blood vessels-on-a-chip (VoC) models integrate the biological complexity of vessel walls with dynamic microenvironmental cues, such as wall shear stress (WSS) and circumferential strain (CS). However, these parameters are difficult to control and are often poorly reproducible due to the high intrinsic diameter variation of individual 3D-VoCs. As a result, the throughput of current 3D systems is one-channel-at-a-time. Here, we developed a fluidic circuit board (FCB) for simultaneous perfusion of up to twelve 3D-VoCs using a single set of control parameters. By designing the internal hydraulic resistances in the FCB appropriately, it was possible to provide a pre-set WSS to all connected 3D-VoCs, despite significant variation in lumen diameters. Using this FCB, we found that variation of CS or WSS induce morphological changes to human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived endothelial cells (ECs) and conclude that control of these parameters using a FCB is necessary to study 3D-VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mees N S de Graaf
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Aisen Vivas
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Dhanesh G Kasi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Francijna E van den Hil
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Albert van den Berg
- BIOS Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Technical Medical Centre, Max Planck Institute for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Valeria V Orlova
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
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18
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Konopka J, Kołodziejek D, Flont M, Żuchowska A, Jastrzębska E, Brzózka Z. Exploring Endothelial Expansion on a Chip. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9414. [PMID: 36502120 PMCID: PMC9741423 DOI: 10.3390/s22239414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is the development of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature. Its malfunction leads to the development of cancers and cardiovascular diseases qualified by the WHO as a leading cause of death worldwide. A better understanding of mechanisms regulating physiological and pathological angiogenesis will potentially contribute to developing more effective treatments for those urgent issues. Therefore, the main goal of the following study was to design and manufacture an angiogenesis-on-a-chip microplatform, including cylindrical microvessels created by Viscous Finger Patterning (VFP) technique and seeded with HUVECs. While optimizing the VFP procedure, we have observed that lumen's diameter decreases with a diminution of the droplet's volume. The influence of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) with a concentration of 5, 25, 50, and 100 ng/mL on the migration of HUVECs was assessed. VEGF's solution with concentrations varying from 5 to 50 ng/mL reveals high angiogenic potential. The spatial arrangement of cells and their morphology were visualized by fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Migration of HUVECs toward loaded angiogenic stimuli has been initiated after overnight incubation. This research is the basis for developing more complex vascularized multi-organ-on-a-chip microsystems that could potentially be used for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Konopka
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Dominik Kołodziejek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Magdalena Flont
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-822 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Żuchowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Jastrzębska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warszawa, Poland
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-822 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Brzózka
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warszawa, Poland
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19
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Bulut M, Vila Cuenca M, de Graaf M, van den Hil FE, Mummery CL, Orlova VV. Three-Dimensional Vessels-on-a-Chip Based on hiPSC-derived Vascular Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e564. [PMID: 36250774 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessels are composed of endothelial cells (ECs) that form the inner vessel wall and mural cells that cover the ECs to mediate their stabilization. Crosstalk between ECs and VSMCs while the ECs undergo microfluidic flow is vital for the function and integrity of blood vessels. Here, we describe a protocol to generate three-dimensional (3D) engineered vessels-on-chip (VoCs) composed of vascular cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). We first describe protocols for robust differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (hiPSC-VSMCs) from hiPSCs that are effective across multiple hiPSC lines. Second, we describe the fabrication of a simple microfluidic device consisting of a single collagen lumen that can act as a cell scaffold and support fluid flow using the viscous finger patterning (VFP) technique. After the channel is seeded sequentially with hiPSC-derived ECs (hiPSC-ECs) and hiPSC-VSMCs, a stable EC barrier covered by VSMCs lines the collagen lumen. We demonstrate that this 3D VoC model can recapitulate physiological cell-cell interaction and can be perfused under physiological shear stress using a microfluidic pump. The uniform geometry of the vessel lumens allows precise control of flow dynamics. We have thus developed a robust protocol to generate an entirely isogenic hiPSC-derived 3D VoC model, which could be valuable for studying vessel barrier function and physiology in healthy or disease states. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Differentiation of hiPSC-VSMCs Support Protocol 1: Characterization of hiPSC-NCCs and hiPSC-VSMCs Support Protocol 2: Preparation of cryopreserved hiPSC-VSMCs and hiPSC-ECs for VoC culture Basic Protocol 2: Generation of 3D VoC model composed of hiPSC-ECs and hiPSC-VSMCs Support Protocol 3: Structural characterization of 3D VoC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Bulut
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Vila Cuenca
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mees de Graaf
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Francijna E van den Hil
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Valeria V Orlova
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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20
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Simitian G, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Sánchez-de-Diego C, Beebe DJ, Kosoff D. Microfluidics in vascular biology research: a critical review for engineers, biologists, and clinicians. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:3618-3636. [PMID: 36047330 PMCID: PMC9530010 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00352j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Neovascularization, the formation of new blood vessels, has received much research attention due to its implications for physiological processes and diseases. Most studies using traditional in vitro and in vivo platforms find challenges in recapitulating key cellular and mechanical cues of the neovascularization processes. Microfluidic in vitro models have been presented as an alternative to these limitations due to their capacity to leverage microscale physics to control cell organization and integrate biochemical and mechanical cues, such as shear stress, cell-cell interactions, or nutrient gradients, making them an ideal option for recapitulating organ physiology. Much has been written about the use of microfluidics in vascular biology models from an engineering perspective. However, a review introducing the different models, components and progress for new potential adopters of these technologies was absent in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims to approach the use of microfluidic technologies in vascular biology from a perspective of biological hallmarks to be studied and written for a wide audience ranging from clinicians to engineers. Here we review applications of microfluidics in vascular biology research, starting with design considerations and fabrication techniques. After that, we review the state of the art in recapitulating angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, according to the hallmarks recapitulated and complexity of the models. Finally, we discuss emerging research areas in neovascularization, such as drug discovery, and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigor Simitian
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Cristina Sánchez-de-Diego
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David Kosoff
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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21
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Terrassoux L, Claux H, Bacari S, Meignan S, Furlan A. A Bloody Conspiracy. Blood Vessels and Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194581. [PMID: 36230504 PMCID: PMC9558972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The tumor microenvironment has risen over the last years as a significant contributor to the failure of antitumoral strategies due to its numerous pro-tumorigenic activities. In this review, we focused on two features of this microenvironment, namely angiogenesis and immunity, which have been the targets of therapies to tackle tumors via its microenvironmental part over the last decade. Increasing our knowledge of the complex interactions within this ecosystem is mandatory to optimize these therapeutic approaches. The development of innovative experimental models is of great help in reaching this goal. Abstract Cancer progression occurs in concomitance with a profound remodeling of the cellular microenvironment. Far from being a mere passive event, the re-orchestration of interactions between the various cell types surrounding tumors highly contributes to the progression of the latter. Tumors notably recruit and stimulate the sprouting of new blood vessels through a process called neo-angiogenesis. Beyond helping the tumor cope with an increased metabolic demand associated with rapid growth, this also controls the metastatic dissemination of cancer cells and the infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. To decipher this critical interplay for the clinical progression of tumors, the research community has developed several valuable models in the last decades. This review offers an overview of the various instrumental solutions currently available, including microfluidic chips, co-culture models, and the recent rise of organoids. We highlight the advantages of each technique and the specific questions they can address to better understand the tumor immuno-angiogenic ecosystem. Finally, we discuss this development field’s fundamental and applied perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Terrassoux
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Hugo Claux
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Salimata Bacari
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Samuel Meignan
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Alessandro Furlan
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
- Tumorigenesis and Resistance to Treatment Unit, Centre Oscar Lambret, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
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22
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Neto E, Monteiro AC, Leite Pereira C, Simões M, Conde JP, Chu V, Sarmento B, Lamghari M. Micropathological Chip Modeling the Neurovascular Unit Response to Inflammatory Bone Condition. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102305. [PMID: 35158409 PMCID: PMC11468530 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip in vitro platforms accurately mimic complex microenvironments offering the ability to recapitulate and dissect mechanisms of physiological and pathological settings, revealing their major importance to develop new therapeutic targets. Bone diseases, such as osteoarthritis, are extremely complex, comprising of the action of inflammatory mediators leading to unbalanced bone homeostasis and de-regulation of sensory innervation and angiogenesis. Although there are models to mimic bone vascularization or innervation, in vitro platforms merging the complexity of bone, vasculature, innervation, and inflammation are missing. Therefore, in this study a microfluidic-based neuro-vascularized bone chip (NVB chip) is proposed to 1) model the mechanistic interactions between innervation and angiogenesis in the inflammatory bone niche, and 2) explore, as a screening tool, novel strategies targeting inflammatory diseases, using a nano-based drug delivery system. It is possible to set the design of the platform and achieve the optimized conditions to address the neurovascular network under inflammation. Moreover, this system is validated by delivering anti-inflammatory drug-loaded nanoparticles to counteract the neuronal growth associated with pain perception. This reliable in vitro tool will allow understanding the bone neurovascular system, enlightening novel mechanisms behind the inflammatory bone diseases, bone destruction, and pain opening new avenues for new therapies discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrela Neto
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
| | - Ana Carolina Monteiro
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
| | - Catarina Leite Pereira
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
| | - Miguel Simões
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
| | - João Pedro Conde
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores (INESC)Microsystems and NanotechnologiesRua Alves Redol, 91000‐029LisboaPortugal
| | - Virginia Chu
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores (INESC)Microsystems and NanotechnologiesRua Alves Redol, 91000‐029LisboaPortugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- CESPUInstituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da SaúdeRua Central da Gandra, 137Gandra4585‐116Portugal
| | - Meriem Lamghari
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
- INEB – Instituto Nacional de Engenharia BiomédicaUniversidade do PortoRua Alfredo Allen, 208Porto4200‐135Portugal
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23
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Tu TY, Shen YP, Lim SH, Wang YK. A Facile Method for Generating a Smooth and Tubular Vessel Lumen Using a Viscous Fingering Pattern in a Microfluidic Device. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:877480. [PMID: 35586553 PMCID: PMC9108369 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.877480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels are ubiquitous in the human body and play essential roles not only in the delivery of vital oxygen and nutrients but also in many disease implications and drug transportation. Although fabricating in vitro blood vessels has been greatly facilitated through various microfluidic organ-on-chip systems, most platforms that are used in the laboratories suffer from a series of laborious processes ranging from chip fabrication, optimization, and control of physiologic flows in micro-channels. These issues have thus limited the implementation of the technique to broader scientific communities that are not ready to fabricate microfluidic systems in-house. Therefore, we aimed to identify a commercially available microfluidic solution that supports user custom protocol developed for microvasculature-on-a-chip (MVOC). The custom protocol was validated to reliably form a smooth and functional blood vessel using a viscous fingering (VF) technique. Using VF technique, the unpolymerized collagen gel in the media channels was extruded by less viscous fluid through VF passive flow pumping, whereby the fluid volume at the inlet and outlet ports are different. The different diameters of hollow tubes produced by VF technique were carefully investigated by varying the ambient temperature, the pressure of the passive pump, the pre-polymerization time, and the concentration of collagen type I. Subsequently, culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells inside the hollow structure to form blood vessels validated that the VF-created structure revealed a much greater permeability reduction than the vessel formed without VF patterns, highlighting that a more functional vessel tube can be formed in the proposed methodology. We believe the current protocol is timely and will offer new opportunities in the field of in vitro MVOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Ting-Yuan Tu,
| | - Yen-Ping Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Yang-Kao Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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24
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Aazmi A, Zhou H, Lv W, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Zhang YS, Ma L. Vascularizing the brain in vitro. iScience 2022; 25:104110. [PMID: 35378862 PMCID: PMC8976127 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most fascinating and complex organ in the human body. Recreating the brain in vitro is an ambition restricted by our limited understanding of its structure and interacting elements. One of these interacting parts, the brain microvasculature, is distinguished by a highly selective barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), limiting the transport of substances between the blood and the nervous system. Numerous in vitro models have been used to mimic the BBB and constructed by implementing a variety of microfabrication and microfluidic techniques. However, currently available models still cannot accurately imitate the in vivo characteristics of BBB. In this article, we review recent BBB models by analyzing each parameter affecting the accuracy of these models. Furthermore, we propose an investigation of the synergy between BBB models and neuronal tissue biofabrication, which results in more advanced models, including neurovascular unit microfluidic models and vascularized brain organoid-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Aazmi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongzhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weikang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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25
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Multi-Layered Human Blood Vessels-on-Chip Design Using Double Viscous Finger Patterning. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040797. [PMID: 35453546 PMCID: PMC9027030 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessel-on-a-chip models aim at reproducing vascular functions. However, very few efficient methods have been designed to address the need for biological replicates in medium- to high-throughput screenings. Here, vessels-on-chip were designed in polydimethylsiloxane-glass chips using the viscous finger patterning technique which was adapted to create channels with various internal diameters inside a collagen solution and to simultaneously seed cells. This method was refined to create blood vessels composed of two concentric, distinct, and closely appositioned layers of human endothelial and perivascular cells arranged around a hollow lumen. These approaches allowed the formation of structurally correct blood vessels-on-chips which were constituted of either only endothelial cells or of both cell types in order to distinguish the vascular barrier reactivity to drugs in the presence or not of perivascular cells. The established vessels showed a tight vascular barrier, as assessed by immunostaining of the adherens junctions, and were reactive to the natural vasopermeant thrombin and to inflammatory cytokines. The presence of perivascular cells markedly increased the tightness of the vascular barrier and lowered its response to thrombin. The design allowed us to simultaneously challenge in real-time several tens of 3D-reconstituted, multicellular blood vessels in a standard multiwell plate format suitable for high-throughput drug screening.
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26
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Holloway PM. Novel, Emerging Chip Models of the Blood-Brain Barrier and Future Directions. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2492:193-224. [PMID: 35733046 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2289-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of microfluidic chips is now allowing for more advanced modelling of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vitro, recapitulating heterotypic interactions, 3D architecture, and physiological flow. This chapter will give an introduction to these new technologies and how they are being applied to model the BBB and neurovascular unit (NVU). A foundational understanding of the fluid dynamics germane to the effective use of these chips will be set and an overview of how physical phenomena at the microscale can be exploited to enable new possibilities to control the cell culture environment. The four main approaches to construct microfluidic blood vessel mimetics will be discussed with examples of how these techniques are being applied to model the BBB and more recently to study specific neurovascular disease processes. Finally, practical guidance will be given for researchers wishing to adopt these new techniques along with a summary of the challenges, limitations faced, and new opportunities opened up by these advanced cell culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Holloway
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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27
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DePalma TJ, Sivakumar H, Skardal A. Strategies for developing complex multi-component in vitro tumor models: Highlights in glioblastoma. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114067. [PMID: 34822927 PMCID: PMC10560581 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many research groups have begun to utilize bioengineered in vitro models of cancer to study mechanisms of disease progression, test drug candidates, and develop platforms to advance personalized drug treatment options. Due to advances in cell and tissue engineering over the last few decades, there are now a myriad of tools that can be used to create such in vitro systems. In this review, we describe the considerations one must take when developing model systems that accurately mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME) and can be used to answer specific scientific questions. We will summarize the importance of cell sourcing in models with one or multiple cell types and outline the importance of choosing biomaterials that accurately mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tumor or tissue that is being modeled. We then provide examples of how these two components can be used in concert in a variety of model form factors and conclude by discussing how biofabrication techniques such as bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip fabrication can be used to create highly reproducible complex in vitro models. Since this topic has a broad range of applications, we use the final section of the review to dive deeper into one type of cancer, glioblastoma, to illustrate how these components come together to further our knowledge of cancer biology and move us closer to developing novel drugs and systems that improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hemamylammal Sivakumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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28
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Selahi A, Fernando T, Chakraborty S, Muthuchamy M, Zawieja DC, Jain A. Lymphangion-chip: a microphysiological system which supports co-culture and bidirectional signaling of lymphatic endothelial and muscle cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 22:121-135. [PMID: 34850797 PMCID: PMC9761984 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00720c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of several lymphatic diseases, such as lymphedema, depends on the function of lymphangions that drive lymph flow. Even though the signaling between the two main cellular components of a lymphangion, endothelial cells (LECs) and muscle cells (LMCs), is responsible for crucial lymphatic functions, there are no in vitro models that have included both cell types. Here, a fabrication technique (gravitational lumen patterning or GLP) is developed to create a lymphangion-chip. This organ-on-chip consists of co-culture of a monolayer of endothelial lumen surrounded by multiple and uniformly thick layers of muscle cells. The platform allows construction of a wide range of luminal diameters and muscular layer thicknesses, thus providing a toolbox to create variable anatomy. In this device, lymphatic muscle cells align circumferentially while endothelial cells aligned axially under flow, as only observed in vivo in the past. This system successfully characterizes the dynamics of cell size, density, growth, alignment, and intercellular gap due to co-culture and shear. Finally, exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines reveals that the device could facilitate the regulation of endothelial barrier function through the lymphatic muscle cells. Therefore, this bioengineered platform is suitable for use in preclinical research of lymphatic and blood mechanobiology, inflammation, and translational outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirali Selahi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell Street College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Teshan Fernando
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell Street College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Mariappan Muthuchamy
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - David C Zawieja
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell Street College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, USA
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29
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Paloschi V, Sabater-Lleal M, Middelkamp H, Vivas A, Johansson S, van der Meer A, Tenje M, Maegdefessel L. Organ-on-a-chip technology: a novel approach to investigate cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2742-2754. [PMID: 33729461 PMCID: PMC8683705 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of organs-on-chip (OoC) has revolutionized in vitro cell-culture experiments by allowing a better mimicry of human physiology and pathophysiology that has consequently led researchers to gain more meaningful insights into disease mechanisms. Several models of hearts-on-chips and vessels-on-chips have been demonstrated to recapitulate fundamental aspects of the human cardiovascular system in the recent past. These 2D and 3D systems include synchronized beating cardiomyocytes in hearts-on-chips and vessels-on-chips with layer-based structures and the inclusion of physiological and pathological shear stress conditions. The opportunities to discover novel targets and to perform drug testing with chip-based platforms have substantially enhanced, thanks to the utilization of patient-derived cells and precise control of their microenvironment. These organ models will provide an important asset for future approaches to personalized cardiovascular medicine and improved patient care. However, certain technical and biological challenges remain, making the global utilization of OoCs to tackle unanswered questions in cardiovascular science still rather challenging. This review article aims to introduce and summarize published work on hearts- and vessels-on chips but also to provide an outlook and perspective on how these advanced in vitro systems can be used to tailor disease models with patient-specific characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Paloschi
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Sabater-Lleal
- Research Institute of Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau, Genomics of Complex Diseases Group, Barcelona, Spain
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Aisen Vivas
- BIOS/Lab on a Chip, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Johansson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Tenje
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Technical University Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Berlin, Germany
- Molecular Vascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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30
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Babatunde KA, Ayuso JM, Kerr SC, Huttenlocher A, Beebe DJ. Microfluidic Systems to Study Neutrophil Forward and Reverse Migration. Front Immunol 2021; 12:781535. [PMID: 34899746 PMCID: PMC8653704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.781535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During infection, neutrophils are the most abundantly recruited innate immune cells at sites of infection, playing critical roles in the elimination of local infection and healing of the injury. Neutrophils are considered to be short-lived effector cells that undergo cell death at infection sites and in damaged tissues. However, recent in vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that neutrophil behavior is more complex and that they can migrate away from the inflammatory site back into the vasculature following the resolution of inflammation. Microfluidic devices have contributed to an improved understanding of the interaction and behavior of neutrophils ex vivo in 2D and 3D microenvironments. The role of reverse migration and its contribution to the resolution of inflammation remains unclear. In this review, we will provide a summary of the current applications of microfluidic devices to investigate neutrophil behavior and interactions with other immune cells with a focus on forward and reverse migration in neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Sheena C Kerr
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States.,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Anna Huttenlocher
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States.,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
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31
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Walji N, Kheiri S, Young EWK. Angiogenic Sprouting Dynamics Mediated by Endothelial-Fibroblast Interactions in Microfluidic Systems. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2101080. [PMID: 34655165 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, is a key process in normal development and pathophysiology. In vitro models are necessary for investigating mechanisms of angiogenesis and developing antiangiogenic therapies. Microfluidic cell culture models of angiogenesis are favored for their ability to recapitulate 3D tissue structures and control spatiotemporal aspects of the microenvironments. To capture the angiogenesis process, microfluidic models often include endothelial cells and a fibroblast component. However, the influence of fibroblast organization on resulting angiogenic behavior remains unclear. Here a comparative study of angiogenic sprouting on a microfluidic chip induced by fibroblasts in 2D monolayer, 3D dispersed, and 3D spheroid culture formats, is conducted. Vessel morphology and sprout distribution for each configuration are measured, and these observations are correlated with measurements of secreted factors and numerical simulations of diffusion gradients. The results demonstrate that angiogenic sprouting varies in response to fibroblast organization with correlating variations in secretory profile and secreted factor gradients across the microfluidic device. This study is anticipated to shed light on how sprouting dynamics are mediated by fibroblast configuration such that the microfluidic cell culture design process includes the selection of a fibroblast component where the effects are known and leveraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noosheen Walji
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 160 College St., Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Sina Kheiri
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Edmond W K Young
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, M5S 3G8, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 160 College St., Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
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32
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Yu H, Kang D, Whang M, Kim T, Kim J. A Microfluidic Model Artery for Studying the Mechanobiology of Endothelial Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100508. [PMID: 34297476 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent vascular mechanobiology studies find that endothelial cells (ECs) convert multiple mechanical forces into functional responses in a nonadditive way, suggesting that signaling pathways such as those regulating cytoskeleton may be shared among the processes of converting individual forces. However, previous in vitro EC-culture platforms are inherent with extraneous mechanical components, which may saturate or insufficiently activate the shared signaling pathways and accordingly, may misguide EC mechanobiological responses being investigated. Here, a more physiologically relevant model artery is reported that accurately reproduces most of the mechanical forces found in vivo, which can be individually varied in any combination to pathological levels to achieve diseased states. Arterial geometries of normal and diseased states are also realized. By mimicking mechanical microenvironments of early-stage atherosclerosis, it is demonstrated that the elevated levels of the different types of stress experienced by ECs strongly correlate with the disruption of barrier integrity, suggesting that boundaries of an initial lesion could be sites for efficient disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonji Yu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongwon Kang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Whang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyoung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungwook Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
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33
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Engineering a Vascularized Hypoxic Tumor Model for Therapeutic Assessment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092201. [PMID: 34571851 PMCID: PMC8468635 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors in advanced cancer often feature a structurally and functionally abnormal vasculature through tumor angiogenesis, which contributes to cancer progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistances. Hypoxia is considered a major driver of angiogenesis in tumor microenvironments. However, there remains a lack of in vitro models that recapitulate both the vasculature and hypoxia in the same model with physiological resemblance to the tumor microenvironment, while allowing for high-content spatiotemporal analyses for mechanistic studies and therapeutic evaluations. We have previously constructed a hypoxia microdevice that utilizes the metabolism of cancer cells to generate an oxygen gradient in the cancer cell layer as seen in solid tumor sections. Here, we have engineered a new composite microdevice-microfluidics platform that recapitulates a vascularized hypoxic tumor. Endothelial cells were seeded in a collagen channel formed by viscous fingering, to generate a rounded vascular lumen surrounding a hypoxic tumor section composed of cancer cells embedded in a 3-D hydrogel extracellular matrix. We demonstrated that the new device can be used with microscopy-based high-content analyses to track the vascular phenotypes, morphology, and sprouting into the hypoxic tumor section over a 7-day culture, as well as the response to different cancer/stromal cells. We further evaluated the integrity/leakiness of the vascular lumen in molecular delivery, and the potential of the platform to study the movement/trafficking of therapeutic immune cells. Therefore, our new platform can be used as a model for understanding tumor angiogenesis and therapeutic delivery/efficacy in vascularized hypoxic tumors.
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34
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Nawroth JC, Petropolis DB, Manatakis DV, Maulana TI, Burchett G, Schlünder K, Witt A, Shukla A, Kodella K, Ronxhi J, Kulkarni G, Hamilton G, Seki E, Lu S, Karalis KC. Modeling alcohol-associated liver disease in a human Liver-Chip. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109393. [PMID: 34289365 PMCID: PMC8342038 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a global health issue and leads to progressive liver injury, comorbidities, and increased mortality. Human-relevant preclinical models of ALD are urgently needed. Here, we leverage a triculture human Liver-Chip with biomimetic hepatic sinusoids and bile canaliculi to model ALD employing human-relevant blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and multimodal profiling of clinically relevant endpoints. Our Liver-Chip recapitulates established ALD markers in response to 48 h of exposure to ethanol, including lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, in a concentration-dependent manner and supports the study of secondary insults, such as high blood endotoxin levels. We show that remodeling of the bile canalicular network can provide an in vitro quantitative readout of alcoholic liver toxicity. In summary, we report the development of a human ALD Liver-Chip as a powerful platform for modeling alcohol-induced liver injury with the potential for direct translation to clinical research and evaluation of patient-specific responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anke Witt
- Emulate, Inc., 27 Drydock Avenue, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | | | | | - Janey Ronxhi
- Emulate, Inc., 27 Drydock Avenue, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | | | | | - Ekihiro Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Shelly Lu
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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Song K, Zu X, Du Z, Hu Z, Wang J, Li J. Diversity Models and Applications of 3D Breast Tumor-on-a-Chip. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12070814. [PMID: 34357224 PMCID: PMC8306159 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Breast disease is one of the critical diseases that plague females, as is known, breast cancer has high mortality, despite significant pathophysiological progress during the past few years. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are needed to break the stalemate. An organ-on-chip approach is considered due to its ability to repeat the real conditions found in the body on microfluidic chips, offsetting the shortcomings of traditional 2D culture and animal tests. In recent years, the organ-on-chip approach has shown diversity, recreating the structure and functional units of the real organs/tissues. The applications were also developed rapidly from the laboratory to the industrialized market. This review focuses on breast tumor-on-a-chip approaches concerning the diversity models and applications. The models are summarized and categorized by typical biological reconstitution, considering the design and fabrication of the various breast models. The breast tumor-on-a-chip approach is a typical representative of organ chips, which are one of the precedents in the market. The applications are roughly divided into two categories: fundamental mechanism research and biological medicine. Finally, we discuss the prospect and deficiencies of the emerging technology. It has excellent prospects in all of the application fields, however there exist some deficiencies for promotion, such as the stability of the structure and function, and uniformity for quantity production.
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36
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Richardson IM, Calo CJ, Hind LE. Microphysiological Systems for Studying Cellular Crosstalk During the Neutrophil Response to Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:661537. [PMID: 33986752 PMCID: PMC8111168 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the primary responders to infection, rapidly migrating to sites of inflammation and clearing pathogens through a variety of antimicrobial functions. This response is controlled by a complex network of signals produced by vascular cells, tissue resident cells, other immune cells, and the pathogen itself. Despite significant efforts to understand how these signals are integrated into the neutrophil response, we still do not have a complete picture of the mechanisms regulating this process. This is in part due to the inherent disadvantages of the most-used experimental systems: in vitro systems lack the complexity of the tissue microenvironment and animal models do not accurately capture the human immune response. Advanced microfluidic devices incorporating relevant tissue architectures, cell-cell interactions, and live pathogen sources have been developed to overcome these challenges. In this review, we will discuss the in vitro models currently being used to study the neutrophil response to infection, specifically in the context of cell-cell interactions, and provide an overview of their findings. We will also provide recommendations for the future direction of the field and what important aspects of the infectious microenvironment are missing from the current models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurel E. Hind
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado – Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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Rothbauer M, Bachmann BE, Eilenberger C, Kratz SR, Spitz S, Höll G, Ertl P. A Decade of Organs-on-a-Chip Emulating Human Physiology at the Microscale: A Critical Status Report on Progress in Toxicology and Pharmacology. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:470. [PMID: 33919242 PMCID: PMC8143089 DOI: 10.3390/mi12050470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip technology has the potential to accelerate pharmaceutical drug development, improve the clinical translation of basic research, and provide personalized intervention strategies. In the last decade, big pharma has engaged in many academic research cooperations to develop organ-on-a-chip systems for future drug discoveries. Although most organ-on-a-chip systems present proof-of-concept studies, miniaturized organ systems still need to demonstrate translational relevance and predictive power in clinical and pharmaceutical settings. This review explores whether microfluidic technology succeeded in paving the way for developing physiologically relevant human in vitro models for pharmacology and toxicology in biomedical research within the last decade. Individual organ-on-a-chip systems are discussed, focusing on relevant applications and highlighting their ability to tackle current challenges in pharmacological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rothbauer
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Karl Chiari Lab for Orthopaedic Biology, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-22, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara E.M. Bachmann
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Allgemeine Unfallversicherungsanstalt (AUVA) Research Centre, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Eilenberger
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian R.A. Kratz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Drug Delivery and 3R-Models Group, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences & Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology, Goethe University Frankfurt Am Main, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Höll
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9/163-164, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (B.E.M.B.); (C.E.); (S.R.A.K.); (S.S.); (G.H.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
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Vera D, García-Díaz M, Torras N, Álvarez M, Villa R, Martinez E. Engineering Tissue Barrier Models on Hydrogel Microfluidic Platforms. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:13920-13933. [PMID: 33739812 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c21573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tissue barriers play a crucial role in human physiology by establishing tissue compartmentalization and regulating organ homeostasis. At the interface between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and flowing fluids, epithelial and endothelial barriers are responsible for solute and gas exchange. In the past decade, microfluidic technologies and organ-on-chip devices became popular as in vitro models able to recapitulate these biological barriers. However, in conventional microfluidic devices, cell barriers are primarily grown on hard polymeric membranes within polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channels that do not mimic the cell-ECM interactions nor allow the incorporation of other cellular compartments such as stromal tissue or vascular structures. To develop models that accurately account for the different cellular and acellular compartments of tissue barriers, researchers have integrated hydrogels into microfluidic setups for tissue barrier-on-chips, either as cell substrates inside the chip, or as self-contained devices. These biomaterials provide the soft mechanical properties of tissue barriers and allow the embedding of stromal cells. Combining hydrogels with microfluidics technology provides unique opportunities to better recreate in vitro the tissue barrier models including the cellular components and the functionality of the in vivo tissues. Such platforms have the potential of greatly improving the predictive capacities of the in vitro systems in applications such as drug development, or disease modeling. Nevertheless, their development is not without challenges in their microfabrication. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances driving the fabrication of hydrogel microfluidic platforms and their applications in multiple tissue barrier models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vera
- Institut de Microelectrònica de Barcelona, IMB-CNM (CSIC), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
- Biomimetic Systems for Cell Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - María García-Díaz
- Biomimetic Systems for Cell Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Núria Torras
- Biomimetic Systems for Cell Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Mar Álvarez
- Institut de Microelectrònica de Barcelona, IMB-CNM (CSIC), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Rosa Villa
- Institut de Microelectrònica de Barcelona, IMB-CNM (CSIC), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Elena Martinez
- Biomimetic Systems for Cell Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona 08028, Spain
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Kulwatno J, Gong X, DeVaux R, Herschkowitz JI, Mills KL. An Organotypic Mammary Duct Model Capturing Matrix Mechanics-Dependent Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Progression. Tissue Eng Part A 2021; 27:454-466. [PMID: 33397202 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a precancerous stage breast cancer, where abnormal cells are contained within the duct, but have not invaded into the surrounding tissue. However, only 30-40% of DCIS cases are likely to progress into an invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), while the remainder are innocuous. Since little is known about what contributes to the transition from DCIS to IDC, clinicians and patients tend to opt for treatment, leading to concerns of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. In vitro models are currently being used to probe how DCIS transitions into IDC, but many models do not take into consideration the macroscopic tissue architecture and the biomechanical properties of the microenvironment. In this study, we modeled an organotypic mammary duct as a channel molded in a collagen matrix and lined with basement membrane. By adjusting the concentration of collagen (4 and 8 mg/mL), we modulated the stiffness and morphological properties of the matrix and examined how an assortment of breast cells, including the isogenic MCF10 series that spans the range from healthy to aggressive, behaved within our model. We observed distinct characteristics of breast cancer progression such as hyperplasia and invasion. Normal mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) formed a single-cell layer on the lumen surface, whereas the most aggressive (MCF10CA1) were several cell layers thick. The model captured collagen concentration-dependent protrusive behaviors by the MCF10A and MCF10CA1 cells, as well as a known invasive cell line (MDA-MB-231). The MCF10A and MCF10CA1 cells extended protrusions into the lower collagen concentration matrix, while the MDA-MB-231 cells fully invaded matrices of either collagen concentration but to a greater distance in the higher collagen concentration matrix. Our results show that the model can recapitulate different stages of breast cancer progression and that the MCF10 series is adaptable to physiologically relevant in vitro studies, demonstrating the potential of both the model and cell lines to elucidate key factors that may contribute to understanding the transition from DCIS to IDC. Impact statement The success of early preventative measures for breast cancer has left patients susceptible to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Limited knowledge of factors driving an invasive transition has inspired the development of in vitro models that accurately capture this phenomenon. However, current models tend to neglect the macroscopic architecture and biomechanical properties of the mammary duct. In this study, we introduce an organotypic model that recapitulates the cylindrical geometry of the tissue and the altered stroma seen in tumor microenvironments. Our model was able to capture distinct features associated with breast cancer progression, demonstrating its potential to uncover novel insights into disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Kulwatno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA.,Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Xiangyu Gong
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA.,Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca DeVaux
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Jason I Herschkowitz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Kristen L Mills
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA.,Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
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Abstract
Since their initial description in 2005, biomaterials that are patterned to contain microfluidic networks ("microfluidic biomaterials") have emerged as promising scaffolds for a variety of tissue engineering and related applications. This class of materials is characterized by the ability to be readily perfused. Transport and exchange of solutes within microfluidic biomaterials is governed by convection within channels and diffusion between channels and the biomaterial bulk. Numerous strategies have been developed for creating microfluidic biomaterials, including micromolding, photopatterning, and 3D printing. In turn, these materials have been used in many applications that benefit from the ability to perfuse a scaffold, including the engineering of blood and lymphatic microvessels, epithelial tubes, and cell-laden tissues. This article reviews the current state of the field and suggests new areas of exploration for this unique class of materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Tien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yoseph W. Dance
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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41
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Moses SR, Adorno JJ, Palmer AF, Song JW. Vessel-on-a-chip models for studying microvascular physiology, transport, and function in vitro. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C92-C105. [PMID: 33176110 PMCID: PMC7846973 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00355.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To understand how the microvasculature grows and remodels, researchers require reproducible systems that emulate the function of living tissue. Innovative contributions toward fulfilling this important need have been made by engineered microvessels assembled in vitro with microfabrication techniques. Microfabricated vessels, commonly referred to as "vessels-on-a-chip," are from a class of cell culture technologies that uniquely integrate microscale flow phenomena, tissue-level biomolecular transport, cell-cell interactions, and proper three-dimensional (3-D) extracellular matrix environments under well-defined culture conditions. Here, we discuss the enabling attributes of microfabricated vessels that make these models more physiological compared with established cell culture techniques and the potential of these models for advancing microvascular research. This review highlights the key features of microvascular transport and physiology, critically discusses the strengths and limitations of different microfabrication strategies for studying the microvasculature, and provides a perspective on current challenges and future opportunities for vessel-on-a-chip models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah R Moses
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan J Adorno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Andre F Palmer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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42
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Tenje M, Cantoni F, Porras Hernández AM, Searle SS, Johansson S, Barbe L, Antfolk M, Pohlit H. A practical guide to microfabrication and patterning of hydrogels for biomimetic cell culture scaffolds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ooc.2020.100003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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43
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Hayward KL, Kouthouridis S, Zhang B. Organ-on-a-Chip Systems for Modeling Pathological Tissue Morphogenesis Associated with Fibrosis and Cancer. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:2900-2925. [PMID: 34275294 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tissue building does not occur exclusively during development. Even after a whole body is built from a single cell, tissue building can occur to repair and regenerate tissues of the adult body. This confers resilience and enhanced survival to multicellular organisms. However, this resiliency comes at a cost, as the potential for misdirected tissue building creates vulnerability to organ deformation and dysfunction-the hallmarks of disease. Pathological tissue morphogenesis is associated with fibrosis and cancer, which are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite being the priority of research for decades, scientific understanding of these diseases is limited and existing therapies underdeliver the desired benefits to patient outcomes. This can largely be attributed to the use of two-dimensional cell culture and animal models that insufficiently recapitulate human disease. Through the synergistic union of biological principles and engineering technology, organ-on-a-chip systems represent a powerful new approach to modeling pathological tissue morphogenesis, one with the potential to yield better insights into disease mechanisms and improved therapies that offer better patient outcomes. This Review will discuss organ-on-a-chip systems that model pathological tissue morphogenesis associated with (1) fibrosis in the context of injury-induced tissue repair and aging and (2) cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Hayward
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Sonya Kouthouridis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada.,School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
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Ort C, Lee W, Kalashnikov N, Moraes C. Disentangling the fibrous microenvironment: designer culture models for improved drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:159-171. [PMID: 32988224 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1822815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Standard high-throughput screening (HTS) assays rarely identify clinically viable 'hits', likely because cells do not experience physiologically realistic culture conditions. The biophysical nature of the extracellular matrix has emerged as a critical driver of cell function and response and recreating these factors could be critically important in streamlining the drug discovery pipeline. AREAS COVERED The authors review recent design strategies to understand and manipulate biophysical features of three-dimensional fibrous tissues. The effects of architectural parameters of the extracellular matrix and their resulting mechanical behaviors are deconstructed; and their individual and combined impact on cell behavior is examined. The authors then illustrate the potential impact of these physical features on designing next-generation platforms to identify drugs effective against breast cancer. EXPERT OPINION Progression toward increased culture complexity must be balanced against the demanding technical requirements for high-throughput screening; and strategies to identify the minimal set of microenvironmental parameters needed to recreate disease-relevant responses must be specifically tailored to the disease stage and organ system being studied. Although challenging, this can be achieved through integrative and multidisciplinary technologies that span microfabrication, cell biology, and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carley Ort
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University , Montreal, Canada
| | - Wontae Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University , Montreal, Canada
| | - Nikita Kalashnikov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University , Montreal, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University , Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University , Montreal, Canada.,Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University , Montreal, Canada
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45
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Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Ayuso JM, Gong MM, Humayun M, Livingston MK, Lugo-Cintrón KM, McMinn P, Álvarez-García YR, Beebe DJ. Microfluidic lumen-based systems for advancing tubular organ modeling. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:6402-6442. [PMID: 32760967 PMCID: PMC7521761 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00705f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic lumen-based systems are microscale models that recapitulate the anatomy and physiology of tubular organs. These technologies can mimic human pathophysiology and predict drug response, having profound implications for drug discovery and development. Herein, we review progress in the development of microfluidic lumen-based models from the 2000s to the present. The core of the review discusses models for mimicking blood vessels, the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, renal tubules, and liver sinusoids, and their application to modeling organ-specific diseases. We also highlight emerging application areas, such as the lymphatic system, and close the review discussing potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - José M Ayuso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA and Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Max M Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Trine University, Angola, IN, USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Megan K Livingston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Karina M Lugo-Cintrón
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Patrick McMinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yasmín R Álvarez-García
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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46
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Deal HE, Brown AC, Daniele MA. Microphysiological systems for the modeling of wound healing and evaluation of pro-healing therapies. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:7062-7075. [PMID: 32756718 PMCID: PMC7460719 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00544d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing is a multivariate process involving the coordinated response of numerous proteins and cell types. Accordingly, biomedical research has seen an increased adoption of the use of in vitro wound healing assays with complexity beyond that offered by traditional well-plate constructs. These microphysiological systems (MPS) seek to recapitulate one or more physiological features of the in vivo microenvironment, while retaining the analytical capacity of more reductionist assays. Design efforts to achieve relevant wound healing physiology include the use of dynamic perfusion over static culture, the incorporation of multiple cell types, the arrangement of cells in three dimensions, the addition of biomechanically and biochemically relevant hydrogels, and combinations thereof. This review provides a brief overview of the wound healing process and in vivo assays, and we critically review the current state of MPS and supporting technologies for modelling and studying wound healing. We distinguish between MPS that seek to inform a particular phase of wound healing, and constructs that have the potential to inform multiple phases of wound healing. This distinction is a product of whether analysis of a particular process is prioritized, or a particular physiology is prioritized, during design. Material selection is emphasized throughout, and relevant fabrication techniques discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halston E Deal
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA. and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Ashley C Brown
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA. and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Michael A Daniele
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 911 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA. and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606, USA and Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, 890 Oval Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Menon NV, Su C, Pang KT, Phua ZJ, Tay HM, Dalan R, Wang X, Li KHH, Hou HW. Recapitulating atherogenic flow disturbances and vascular inflammation in a perfusable 3D stenosis model. Biofabrication 2020; 12:045009. [PMID: 32650321 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/aba501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessel narrowing and arterial occlusion are pathological hallmarks of atherosclerosis, which involves a complex interplay of perturbed hemodynamics, endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory cascade. Herein, we report a novel circular microfluidic stenosis model that recapitulates atherogenic flow-mediated endothelial dysfunction and blood-endothelial cell (EC) interactions in vitro. 2D and 3D stenosis microchannels with different constriction geometries were fabricated using 3D printing to study flow disturbances under varying severity of occlusion and wall shear stresses (100 to 2000 dynecm-2). Experimental and fluid simulation results confirmed the presence of pathological shear stresses in the stenosis region, and recirculation flow post stenosis. The resultant pathological flow profile induced pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic EC state as demonstrated by orthogonal EC alignment, enhanced platelet adhesion at the stenosis, and aberrant leukocyte-EC interactions post stenosis. Clinical utility of the vascular model was further investigated by testing anti-thrombotic and immunomodulatory efficacy of aspirin and metformin, respectively. Overall, the platform enables multi-factorial analysis of critical atherogenic events including endothelial dysfunction, platelets and leukocyte adhesion, and can be further developed into a liquid biopsy tool for cardiovascular risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishanth Venugopal Menon
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798, Singapore. Equal contribution
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Lugo-Cintrón KM, Ayuso JM, White BR, Harari PM, Ponik S, Beebe DJ, Gong MM, Virumbrales-Muñoz M. Matrix density drives 3D organotypic lymphatic vessel activation in a microfluidic model of the breast tumor microenvironment. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:1586-1600. [PMID: 32297896 PMCID: PMC7330815 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00099j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels (LVs) have been suggested as a preferential conduit for metastatic progression in breast cancer, where a correlation between the occurrence of lymph node metastasis and an increased extracellular matrix (ECM) density has been reported. However, the effect of ECM density on LV function is largely unknown. To better understand these effects, we used a microfluidic device to recreate tubular LVs in a collagen type I matrix. The density of the matrix was tailored to mimic normal breast tissue using a low-density collagen (LD-3 mg mL-1) and cancerous breast tissue using a high-density collagen (HD-6 mg mL-1). We investigated the effect of ECM density on LV morphology, growth, cytokine secretion, and barrier function. LVs cultured in HD matrices showed morphological changes as compared to LVs cultured in a LD matrix. Specifically, LVs cultured in HD matrices had a 3-fold higher secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-6, and a leakier phenotype, suggesting LVs acquired characteristics of activated vessels. Interestingly, LV leakiness was mitigated by blocking the IL-6 receptor on the lymphatic ECs, maintaining endothelium permeability at similar levels of LV cultured in a LD matrix. To recreate a more in vivo microenvironment, we incorporated metastatic breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) into the LD and HD matrices. For HD matrices, co-culture with MDA-MB-231 cells exacerbated vessel leakiness and secretion of IL-6. In summary, our data suggest that (1) ECM density is an important microenvironmental cue that affects LV function in the breast tumor microenvironment (TME), (2) dense matrices condition LVs towards an activated phenotype and (3) blockade of IL-6 signaling may be a potential therapeutic target to mitigate LV dysfunction. Overall, modeling LVs and their interactions with the TME can help identify novel therapeutic targets and, in turn, advance therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M. Lugo-Cintrón
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - José M. Ayuso
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bridget R. White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Paul M. Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suzanne Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J. Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Max M. Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Trine University, Angola, IN, USA
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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Bai J, Fu H, Bazinet L, Birsner AE, D'Amato RJ. A Method for Developing Novel 3D Cornea-on-a-Chip Using Primary Murine Corneal Epithelial and Endothelial Cells. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:453. [PMID: 32410987 PMCID: PMC7198819 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic-based organ-on-a-chip assays with simultaneous coculture of multi-cell types have been widely utilized for basic research and drug development. Here we describe a novel method for a primary cell-based corneal microphysiological system which aims to recapitulate the basic functions of the in vivo cornea and to study topically applied ocular drug permeation. In this study, the protocols for isolating and cultivating primary corneal epithelial cells and endothelial cells from mouse inbred strain C57BL/6J were optimized, to allow for the development of a primary-cell based microfluidic 3D micro-engineered cornea. This tissue unit, by overcoming the limitations of 2D conventional cell culture, supports new investigations on cornea function and facilitates drug delivery testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Bai
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Haojie Fu
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lauren Bazinet
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amy E Birsner
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert J D'Amato
- The Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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50
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Recapitulating the Vasculature Using Organ-On-Chip Technology. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7010017. [PMID: 32085464 PMCID: PMC7175276 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of Vasculature-on-Chip has progressed rapidly over the last decade and recently, a wealth of fabrication possibilities has emerged that can be used for engineering vessels on a chip. All these fabrication methods have their own advantages and disadvantages but, more importantly, the capability of recapitulating the in vivo vasculature differs greatly between them. The first part of this review discusses the biological background of the in vivo vasculature and all the associated processes. We then evaluate the biological relevance of different fabrication methods proposed for Vasculature-on-Chip, we indicate their possibilities and limitations, and we assess which fabrication methods are capable of recapitulating the intrinsic complexity of the vasculature. This review illustrates the complexity involved in developing in vitro vasculature and provides an overview of fabrication methods for Vasculature-on-Chip in relation to the biological relevance of such methods.
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